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https://chidijudedimgba.com.ng/

Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., Abuja (2026)

31/08/2026

Not every contract that looks valid can actually be enforced and knowing the difference could save you from a costly mistake.

You sign an agreement.
Both sides agree.
Maybe money has even changed hands.

What happens when you later discover that there is a serious problem with the contract?

This is where the words “void” and “voidable” become important.

WHAT DOES “VOID” MEAN?
A void contract is essentially not legally valid from the beginning.
In simple terms, the law treats it as having no legal effect.

For example, a contract may be void where its purpose is illegal or against the law.

Think of it this way:
A void contract is like a deal that the law will not recognise as a valid contract in the first place.

WHAT DOES “VOIDABLE” MEAN?
A voidable contract is different.
It may be valid and enforceable at first, but one of the parties may have the right to cancel it because of a serious problem with how the agreement was made.

This can happen in situations involving things like:
Fraud or deception, undue pressure or threats, misrepresentation, certain mistakes, lack of genuine consent.

For example, imagine someone convinces you to sign an agreement by deliberately giving you false information.

Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to ask for the contract to be set aside.

WHAT IS THE SIMPLE DIFFERENCE?
Think of it this way:
VOID = The contract has no legal effect from the beginning.

VOIDABLE = The contract may be valid, but one party may have the right to cancel it.

That difference can be very important when money, property or business interests are involved.

HERE'S WHY IT MATTERS
Imagine you sign an agreement and later discover that:

The deal was based on serious deception, you were pressured into signing, the purpose of the agreement was illegal, you were given false information before agreeing.

Don't simply assume:
“I signed it, so there is nothing I can do.”

Signing a document does not automatically mean every part of the agreement is legally enforceable.

At the same time, don't assume that every contract you regret signing is automatically void or voidable.

The facts matter.

BEFORE YOU SIGN
If a contract involves significant money, property, employment, investment or business responsibilities: Read it carefully, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to, ask questions about anything that is unclear, keep a copy of the signed agreement, consider getting legal advice before signing if the agreement could have serious consequences for you.

REMEMBER:
Void and voidable do not mean the same thing.

One may have no legal effect from the beginning, while the other may give a party the right to cancel the agreement because of a problem with how it was made.

Understanding the difference can help you recognise problems before they become expensive legal disputes.

Legal References
• Nigerian Contract Law principles
• Evidence Act 2011, where applicable to proof and evidence concerning contractual disputes

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we help individuals and businesses understand their agreements, protect their interests and make informed legal decisions.

Like, Share & Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand the law and protect your interests.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer:
This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only.

30/08/2026

Your reputation is built over time, but it can be affected by a single careless decision.

In life, the choices we make, the actions we take and the responsibilities we accept all contribute to the name we create for ourselves.

The law provides remedies when rights are violated, but personal responsibility remains one of the strongest protections against avoidable legal challenges.

Live wisely. Act with integrity. Protect the reputation you have worked hard to build.

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that legal awareness empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary consequences.

Like, Share & Follow our page for practical legal insights that help you understand the law and protect your interests.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

29/08/2026

Seeing a police checkpoint ahead can make you nervous, but being stopped does not mean you have lost your rights.

Police checkpoints are a common part of everyday life in Nigeria. You may be stopped while driving, travelling or simply going about your normal activities.

What should you do when a police officer stops you?
And what are you actually allowed to do?

1) STAY CALM AND BE RESPECTFUL
Being stopped does not automatically mean you have done something wrong.
Stay calm and avoid arguing or becoming aggressive.

You can simply ask:
“Officer, please, may I know why I have been stopped?”

Knowing why you have been stopped can help you understand what is happening and how to respond.

2) PROVIDE THE INFORMATION YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE.
Depending on the situation, you may be asked for identification, vehicle documents or other relevant information.

Cooperating with a lawful request does not mean you have to accept every demand an officer makes.
You still have rights.

3) IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU STILL HAVE RIGHTS.
Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution protects your right to personal freedom and provides important protections for people who are arrested or detained.

If you are arrested, you should be told why you are being arrested within the time required by law.

You also have the right to remain silent or avoid answering questions until you have spoken with a lawyer or another person of your choice, as provided by law.

And remember:
Being arrested does not mean you have been found guilty of a crime.

4) IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED.
Try to remember what happened and write down the details as soon as you can.

For example:
Where were you stopped, what time did it happen, why did the officer say you were stopped, what did the officer say or do, were you searched or arrested, was anyone there who witnessed what happened?

Keep any documents, messages or other evidence that may help explain what happened.

If the situation is serious, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID DOING?
Even if you believe an officer is treating you unfairly, try not to make the situation worse.

Avoid:
Insulting or threatening the officer, physically fighting or resisting an arrest, destroying or hiding evidence, giving false information, signing something you do not understand.

If you believe a police officer has acted unlawfully, there are legal ways to complain or challenge what happened.

NOTE:
Knowing your rights does not mean fighting with the police.
It means knowing where you stand.

You can be respectful and still know your rights.
You can cooperate and still protect yourself.

And if you believe your rights have been violated, you can seek legal help.

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding the law helps people make better decisions and protect themselves in everyday situations.

Legal References
• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 35
• Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015

Like, Share & Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand your rights and everyday legal issues.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer:
This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only.

28/08/2026

Losing your husband is painful enough but becoming a widow does not mean you have to lose your home, your rights or everything you built together.

After the death of a husband, a widow may suddenly face difficult questions:

Can his family take the house?
What happens to the money in his bank account?
Who gets his land, car or other assets?
What happens to the children?
Can I be forced out of the family home?

These are not just family questions. They can also be legal questions.

DO WIDOWS HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS?
Yes, but the exact rights will depend on the circumstances.

Being a widow does not mean that your husband's relatives can simply take over everything he left behind.

What you may be entitled to can depend on things such as:
Whether your husband left a valid Will, the type of marriage you had, how particular assets were owned, the law that applies to the situation, whether there are children or other beneficiaries.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE HOUSE AND OTHER ASSETS?
If he left a valid Will, his assets will generally be dealt with according to the Will, subject to applicable law.

If he died without a valid Will, the law will determine how his assets are handled and who may be entitled to inherit.

So, being a widow does not automatically mean:
You own everything your husband left behind.

it also does not mean:
You have no rights to anything he left behind.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
If there are children, their interests also matter.
Questions may arise about their inheritance, welfare, education and maintenance.

The Child Rights Act 2003 provides protections for children, although the exact law that applies can depend on the circumstances and jurisdiction.

WHAT IF YOUR HUSBAND'S FAMILY TRIES TO TAKE HIS PROPERTY?
A relative does not automatically become the owner of your husband's money, house, land, car or other assets just because they are part of his family.

The assets should be dealt with according to the Will, applicable succession law and the proper legal process for administering the estate.

If someone is pressuring you to hand over property, money or important documents, seek legal advice before signing anything or giving up possession of valuable assets.

WHAT SHOULD A WIDOW DO?
If you have lost your husband and there is a dispute over his assets:

1) Find out whether he left a Will.
2) Keep important documents safe, including marriage documents, property papers, bank information and other relevant records.
3) Don't sign anything you don't understand.
4) Don't allow anyone to pressure you into giving up property or documents without proper advice.
5) Get independent legal advice if there is a dispute over your rights or your children's inheritance.

REMEMBER:
Becoming a widow does not mean becoming powerless.
Your husband's assets should be dealt with according to the law not simply according to whoever speaks the loudest in the family.

If you are facing pressure, threats or a dispute over your husband's property or assets, you don't have to handle it alone. Seek proper legal advice.

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding your rights is the first step towards protecting them.

Legal References:
* Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), particularly Section 42
* Applicable Administration of Estates Law
* Wills Act 1837
* Child Rights Act 2003

Like, Share & Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand the law and protect your interests.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer:
This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only. It does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for professional legal consultation. Succession and inheritance rights can vary depending on the applicable law, state, nature of the marriage, existence of a Will, type of property and circumstances of each case.

26/08/2026

WHAT IS A RESTRAINING ORDER AND HOW CAN YOU GET ONE IN NIGERIA?

What do you do when someone's threats, harassment or repeated unwanted contact are making you feel unsafe?

Do you have to wait until the situation becomes violent before seeking legal protection?
No.

Depending on the circumstances and the law that applies, the court may be able to make an order restricting a person from certain actions towards you. This may be referred to as a protection order or restraining order.

WHAT CAN SUCH AN ORDER DO?
Depending on the situation, it may restrict a person from: Threatening or harassing you, contacting or intimidating you, coming to your home or workplace, engaging in violence or other prohibited behavior.

The exact protection available will depend on the facts of the case and the law that applies in your location.

*WHAT DOES NIGERIAN LAW SAY?*
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) provides for protection orders in cases involving violence and related conduct.

However, the application of the law can depend on the particular State or jurisdiction.

The Nigerian Constitution also protects the dignity of every person.

The important thing to remember is this:
You have rights, and the law provides ways to seek protection when those rights are threatened or violated.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF THIS IS HAPPENING TO YOU?
If someone is threatening, stalking, harassing or abusing you:
1) Keep evidence.
Save threatening messages, photographs, medical reports and other relevant evidence. Where you make recordings, ensure they are obtained and used lawfully.

2) Report serious incidents.
Where violence, threats or other criminal conduct are involved, consider making a report to the appropriate authorities.

3) Get legal guidance.
A lawyer can look at your situation and explain what legal protection may be available to you.

4) Take the appropriate legal steps.
Where a protection order is available, the application must be made through the appropriate court and procedure.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE.
If an ex-partner keeps threatening you, someone is repeatedly harassing you, or you are experiencing violence or serious intimidation, don't simply ignore it or assume you have to endure it.

Keep records of what is happening and seek appropriate help.

A protection order is not a replacement for immediate safety. If you are facing an immediate threat, seek urgent help from the appropriate authorities.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. PROTECT YOURSELF.
Seeking legal protection is not about revenge.
It is about using the law to protect your safety, dignity and peace of mind.

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding the law empowers people to make informed decisions and protect their rights.

Like, Share & Follow our page for simple, practical legal insights that help you understand your rights, responsibilities and everyday legal issues.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer: This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only.

24/08/2026

You have a great business idea. You have customers. You are making sales. But have you taken the right steps to protect the business you are building?

Many business owners focus so much on making money and growing their customer base that they overlook the legal foundation of the business. Yet, one disagreement, unpaid debt, contract problem or dispute over ownership can put years of hard work at risk.

Building a successful business is not only about making money. It is also about putting the right structure in place and making informed decisions that can protect what you have worked so hard to build.

1) REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS.
One of the first things to consider is properly registering your business. Formal registration gives your business legal recognition and helps establish its identity.

Depending on the nature of your business and your plans for the future, you may need to consider whether operating under a Business Name or registering a Company is more appropriate.

The right structure can make a difference as your business grows.

2) PUT IMPORTANT AGREEMENTS IN WRITING.
Trust is important in business, but trust should not replace proper documentation.

Statements like “He's my friend, I trust him,” or “We agreed verbally” may sound harmless until a disagreement arises.

A clear written agreement helps everyone understand their responsibilities, what they are entitled to, and what should happen if things do not go as planned.

Whether you are working with a business partner, employee, supplier, investor or customer, important business arrangements should be properly documented.

3) KEEP PROPER BUSINESS RECORDS.
Good record-keeping is another important part of protecting your business.

Keep track of your income, expenses, transactions, business assets and important agreements. Where possible, keep your personal and business finances separate.

Proper records can make it easier to understand the financial position of your business and can also help when financial, tax or legal questions arise.

4) KNOW THE RULES THAT APPLY TO YOUR BUSINESS.
Registering your business is only the beginning.

Depending on what your business does, you may have responsibilities relating to taxes, employees, licences, permits, data protection and other industry-specific requirements.

Knowing these obligations early can help you avoid problems that may become more difficult and expensive to resolve later.

5) DON'T WAIT UNTIL THERE IS A PROBLEM.
Many business owners think about legal protection only after something has gone wrong.

A business partner wants out. A customer refuses to pay. Someone claims ownership of the business. A contract falls apart. Someone begins using your business name or copying your brand.

By that point, fixing the problem may be much harder.

Legal advice is not only for when you are in trouble. It can also help you avoid trouble in the first place.

Your business is built with your time, money, ideas and hard work.

Protect it accordingly.

Legal References:
• Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020
• Business Names Act
• Relevant Nigerian business and commercial laws

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding the law before making important decisions can help people avoid difficult problems later.

Like, Share & Follow our page for simple, practical legal insights that help you understand your rights and make better decisions.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer: This publication is for general legal education and awareness only.

23/08/2026

Some seasons test our patience. Some moments make us question the journey ahead.

But every challenge we overcome is a reminder that our story is still being written.

Whatever today may look like, hold on to faith, keep moving forward, and trust that God’s plans are greater than what we can see.

May we find strength in His promises and courage for every step ahead.

Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more inspiring reflections, legal awareness, and messages that encourage integrity, hope, and responsible living.

Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

22/08/2026

If your name is listed as someone's next-of-kin, does that mean their money, house, land, car and other assets automatically become yours when they die? Not necessarily.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about inheritance.

Many people believe that being someone's next-of-kin automatically means they will inherit everything that person leaves behind.

That is not how it works.

WHAT DOES “NEXT-OF-KIN” MEAN?
In simple terms, your next-of-kin is generally your closest relative or the person designated to be contacted or recognised in certain situations.

Being named as someone's next-of-kin can be important, but it does not automatically make you the owner of their assets when they die.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THEIR ASSETS?
Think about the things a person may leave behind: House or land, money in the bank, cars and other vehicles, investments and shares, business interests, and other valuable property.

Who gets these assets after the person's death can depend on whether they left a valid Will and the law that applies to their situation.

WHAT IF THERE IS A WILL?
If a person leaves a valid Will, their assets will generally be dealt with according to their wishes in the Will, subject to applicable law.

So, the person named as next-of-kin may not be the same person named to inherit the assets.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO WILL?
If someone dies without a valid Will, their assets may be distributed according to the applicable rules of intestacy.

This means the law, rather than simply the deceased person's next-of-kin designation, helps determine who is entitled to inherit.

NOTE: BEING NEXT-OF-KIN DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN: You own the person's house or land, you can withdraw all the money in their bank account, you can sell their car or other property, you can take control of all their assets, you automatically inherit everything they owned.

In some circumstances, a person may be legally appointed to administer the deceased person's estate, but that is different from simply being listed as next-of-kin.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER
Your next-of-kin is not automatically your heir.

If you want your money, property and other assets to go to particular people after your death, don't assume that simply naming them as your next-of-kin will achieve that.

Proper estate planning and making a valid Will can help make your wishes clear and reduce confusion among your loved ones.

Legal References:
* Administration of Estates Law
* Wills Act
* Applicable rules of succession and intestacy

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect what you have worked hard to build and make your wishes clear to those you leave behind.

Like, Share & Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand the law and protect your interests.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer: This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only.

21/08/2026

Before you say, “I do,” can you and your partner agree on what happens to your money, property and other assets if the marriage ever ends?

Yes, you can have that conversation, and you can put the agreement in writing.

That is what a prenuptial agreement, commonly called a "prenup,” is.

A prenup is an agreement between two people made before they get married. It can set out how certain financial matters, such as property, assets, debts and other responsibilities, should be handled during or after the marriage.

IS A PRENUP VALID IN NIGERIA?
It’s not as simple as saying “yes” or “no.”

Unlike some countries, Nigeria does not have a specific law that clearly sets out how prenuptial agreements should work.

So, if a prenup becomes an issue in court, the court may look at the agreement itself, how it was made, and the circumstances surrounding it.

DOES SIGNING A PRENUP GUARANTEE THAT THE COURT WILL ENFORCE IT?
Not necessarily.
Simply signing a document does not automatically mean that every term in it will be accepted by a Nigerian court.

For example, the court may be interested in questions such as: Did both people agree to it freely?, did they understand what they were signing?, was anyone pressured or forced to sign?, was there any dishonesty or important information deliberately hidden?, are the terms clear, does any part of the agreement go against the law or public policy?.
These things can make a difference.

BUT WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT A PRENUP?
A prenup does not necessarily mean you are planning for your marriage to fail.

For some couples, it is simply a way to have an honest conversation about money, property and financial responsibilities before getting married.

It can help both people understand where they stand from the beginning.

If you're thinking about signing one, don't just download a random prenup template online and sign it.
Get proper legal advice first.

Your circumstances are different from someone else's, and the terms of the agreement should be carefully considered before you sign.

NOTE
A prenup can show what two people agreed to before marriage but signing one does not automatically guarantee that every term will be enforced by a Nigerian court.

If you are considering one, it is better to understand the legal implications before you sign rather than wait until there is a dispute.

Legal References:
* Matrimonial Causes Act
* Evidence Act 2011
* Applicable principles of contract and evidence

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding the law before making important decisions can save you from difficult problems later.

Kindly Like, Share & Follow Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co. for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand the law and protect your interests.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer: This publication is for general legal education and public awareness only.

19/08/2026

“JUST SIGN HERE.”
Those three words may sound harmless, but signing a document you have not read can create obligations you never expected.

It happens all the time. Someone hands you a document and says: “It’s just a formality.” “The terms are standard.” “Everyone has signed it.”

You trust them. You are in a hurry. So, you sign.

Then, weeks or months later, you discover that the document contains terms you never knew you had agreed to.

WHY DOES YOUR SIGNATURE MATTER?
When you sign a contract, you are generally agreeing to be bound by its terms.

That means you should pay attention to things like: Payment and interest, deadlines and responsibilities, penalties for default, termination or cancellation, confidentiality obligations, dispute resolution clauses, restrictions on what you can or cannot do.

Simply saying, “I didn't read it” will not automatically release you from the obligations you agreed to. Your signature binds you to the terms of the agreement.

WHERE CAN THIS BECOME A PROBLEM?
It could be a:
1) Loan agreement with interest or penalty clauses you did not notice.
2) Employment contract containing restrictions or obligations you were unaware of.
3) Tenancy agreement setting out conditions that affect your rights as a tenant.
4) Business agreement creating financial or legal responsibilities for you.
5) Property documents affecting your rights and interest in land.

The document you sign can matter much more than what you thought you were agreeing to.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE SIGNING?
1.Read the entire document.
Don't skip the fine print or assume the important parts are only at the beginning.

2.Ask questions.
If you don't understand a clause, ask for an explanation.

3.Don't allow anyone to rush you.
Take the time you need to understand what you are signing.

4.Get legal advice when the stakes are high.
If the agreement involves significant money, property, employment, or long-term obligations, have a lawyer review it before signing.

5.Keep a copy.
Always retain a copy of the final document you signed.

Always remember:
Never sign a document simply because someone tells you, “It's just a formality.”

Read it. Understand it. Ask questions. And when necessary, get proper legal advice before you sign, because once a dispute arises, wishing you had read the contract earlier may be too late.

At Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co., we believe that understanding your legal obligations before making important decisions can help prevent unnecessary disputes.

Legal Reference:
* General Principles of Contract Law
* Evidence Act 2011

Follow our page for more simple, practical legal insights that help you understand the law and make informed decisions.

CHIDI JUDE DIMGBA & CO.
Barristers. Solicitors. Notary Public. Arbitrator. Mediator.

Disclaimer:
This publication is provided for general legal education and public awareness only. It does not constitute legal advice, a legal opinion, or a substitute for professional legal consultation. The legal effect of signing a contract depends on the terms of the particular agreement, the circumstances surrounding its ex*****on, and the applicable law.

Chidi Jude Dimgba & Co.

31/08/2026

30/08/2026

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

24/08/2026

23/08/2026

22/08/2026

21/08/2026

19/08/2026

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Monday	07:00 - 19:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 19:00
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