P. D. Pius & Associates

08/06/2026

One mistake Nigerian drivers make after an accident is, trying to negotiate settlement on the spot.

Whether or not you are a car owner in Nigeria, you must have come across situations where two vehicles collide on the road—sometimes a minor scratch, sometimes serious damage.

What usually follows is very familiar: both drivers step out of their vehicles, heated arguments begin, exchange of words, insults are traded, people gather and traffic builds up.

In many cases, after hours of arguments, one party—usually the one considered at fault—ends up pleading and paying some form of "informal settlement" on the spot.

These informal settlements, in most cases, do not adequately cover the actual damage caused.

In other cases, there is no real resolution at all. Both parties simply enter their vehicles and drive off in anger.

What many Nigerian drivers do not know is this: after a road accident of this nature, you do not necessarily have to engage in roadside settlement or personally bear the cost of the damage caused.

Why?

Because there is already a system in place designed to handle such situations. When you register your vehicle in Nigeria, one of the mandatory documents required is an insurance certificate.

This is where motor insurance comes in—particularly third-party insurance. In simple terms, third-party insurance is a policy that protects other road users from losses or damages caused by your vehicle.

So, in a situation where you are the driver at fault and you damage another person’s vehicle, you do not necessarily have to resort to roadside negotiations and out-of-pocket settlements.

What you should do instead is promptly notify your insurance provider and initiate the appropriate claims process.

The insurance company, depending on the policy terms and liability assessment, becomes responsible for compensating the affected third party within the policy limits.

It is also advisable to engage a lawyer to protect your interests throughout the process, ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements, and intervene where there is a dispute regarding liability, compensation, or the insurer's obligations.

Road accidents happen unexpectedly. Knowing the right way to handle it makes a lot of difference.

Would you like to learn more about Insurance Law in Nigeria? Visit www.pdpiusandassociates.com to speak with a Lawyer.

Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

BUSINESS LAW MONDAY




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07/06/2026

This is what Seth Hubbard, a wealthy rich American wrote in his last will and testament:...

10. "I give, devise, etc 5% of my estate to the Irish Road Christian Church."

I always say that "don't be stingy even in death." Get a lawyer to write your Will, give some of your properties to your church or mosque or hospital or prison inmates or any charity.

A will is not in anticipation of death but in preparation for the unknown. It can be an accident, kidnap and murder or sudden death. No one knows.

Happy Sunday.

01/06/2026

NEWS FROM THE FIRM

P. D. Pius & Associates Law Firm has just secured judgment for Chief Herbert Ukwuegbu in Suit No. NSD/MG68/2026.

This fast debt recovery case was filed on 27th January 2026 and today 1st June 2026, judgment is delivered directing the Defendants, Inter Oversea Test Ltd to pay the millions being owed.

Congratulations to our client.
Congratulations to the firm.

We remain committed to

21/05/2026

ADULTERY IS A CRIME IN NIGERIA- Peace Johnson

Sleeping with another man’s wife or another woman’s husband is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by imprisonment for a term of two years.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Contrary to what most people think — that adultery only constitutes a ground for dissolution of marriage, under Sections 387 and 388 of the Penal Code Act, adultery is recognised as a criminal offence in Nigeria.

This means that any person having extramarital affairs with another person’s spouse is, or shall be, criminally liable for the offence of adultery and will be made to spend two years of his or her life in prison.

Don't let a moment of pleasure make you an ex-convict.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

For more legal insights and guidance, visit www.pdpiusandassociates.com to speak with a Lawyer.

FAMILY LAW THURSDAY

20/05/2026

Our Principal Partner, Pius Danba at the 2026 NBA Unity Bar Law Week.

13/05/2026

WHY YOUR COURT CASE TAKES LONGER THAN EXPECTED - Peace Johnson

One of the most common questions we receive during consultations with clients is this:
“Counsel, how long will this case take before we get judgment?”

This is a valid question. No one embarks on a journey without a destination in mind, or without knowing how long it may take to get there.

The truth is that litigation in Nigeria does not run on a fixed timeline (except Election Petitions). Rather, it follows a structured process influenced by multiple factors—some within the control of counsel and the parties, and many outside anyone’s control.

Let me briefly take you through the process:

1. FILING OF THE SUIT
After proper consultation with your lawyer and a decision to proceed, the first step is the filing of the originating processes before the court.
At this stage, the case is simply initiated.

2. ASSIGNMENT TO A JUDGE
After filing, the case is administratively assigned to a Judge of the court. This process depends on court schedules, workload, and internal administrative arrangements.

3. SERVICE OF COURT PROCESSES ON THE DEFENDANT
This involves formally notifying the other party of the pending suit. Without proper service, the court cannot proceed with Hearing.

4. PRE-HEARING AND EXCHANGE OF PROCESSES
Once the Defendant(s) become aware of the suit, they are entitled to file a response (defence) to the claims against them.

At this stage, the court may also hear preliminary applications such as objections to jurisdiction, motions to strike out processes, or other interlocutory applications.
It is important to note that the case is not yet fully set down for trial at this stage.

5. HEARING OF THE CASE
This is the stage where trial commences; both parties present their evidence and testify in support of their respective positions. However, hearings do not usually conclude in a single sitting, as the court must also attend to other matters before it. As a result, cases are often adjourned to another date for continuation.

Delays may also arise due to unforeseen circumstances such as the absence of counsel, witnesses, or even the presiding Judge.

6. FINAL ADDRESSES AND JUDGEMENT
After the close of evidence, parties are directed to adopt their final written addresses (or make oral arguments). The court then reserves judgment for a later date.

In summary, no lawyer can give a "fixed" timeframe for the conclusion of a case, as litigation is influenced by procedure, human factors, and court administration.
Some cases conclude within months, while others may take years.

So when your case takes time, it is not necessarily delay. Most times, it is the due process of law at work.

P.S: Have you ever experienced delays in court proceedings? Share your experience with us in the comments.

For more legal insights and guidance, visit www.pdpiusandassociates.com to speak with a Lawyer.

13/05/2026

Caption these pictures.

The most creative caption gets money for lunch.

11/05/2026

IF YOU PAY OR ACCEPT CASH, YOU ARE LIABLE TO IMPRISONMENT - Pius Danba

There are too many laws you need to comply with when buying or selling land or cars or shares in Nigeria failing which you will be liable for criminal offense.

In the case of ALIYU v. FRN (2026) LPELR-83493(SC) it was held as follows:

"It is apropos, perforce, to place on record that the appellant was charged with accepting cash payment for the sale of landed property contrary to the provision of Section 22(1)(a) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.

It is germane to pluck it out, verbatim ac litteratim, whence it is domiciled quietly in the statute book.

It states:
22. Payments for certain goods
(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any enactment or law and except as provided in Subsection (2) of this Section, no person shall, in Nigeria, make or accept cash payment, whether denominated in foreign currency or not, for the purchase of acquisition of the following:
(a) landed properties;
(b) securities, including stocks, shares, debentures and all forms of negotiable instruments; and
(c) motor cars, including other vehicles of any description whatsoever.

(2) Payments for the items specified in Subsection (1) of this Section shall, as from the commencement of this Act, be made by means of bank transfers or cheques drawn on banks in Nigeria only."

Thus, you can no longer buy land, house, hotel, garden, Benz, Lamborghini, Chevrolet, or company shares with cash payment.

Remember, ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Feel free to ask us further questions or visit www.pdpiusandassociates.com to speak with a Lawyer.

BUSINESS LAW MONDAY

08/05/2026

Congratulations to our Principal Partner Pius Danba.

‎𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 — 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥. 𝗣𝗜𝗨𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔 𝗣𝗜𝗨𝗦
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‎Barr. Pius Danba Pius is the Founder and Lead Counsel of P. D. Pius & Associates, a law firm headquartered in Abuja with a branch office in Jalingo. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2014 and has since built a strong and respected legal practice.
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‎Beyond private legal practice, he is the Founder of the PD Community Development Initiative, a non-governmental organisation through which he delivers humanitarian and community-focused interventions across Taraba State.
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‎A native of Bitako Mazara in Zing Local Government Area, Barr. Pius was raised in Zing and has deep roots in the communities he serves.
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‎He attended Federal Government College, Wukari, and studied at the University of Maiduguri, the University of Jos, and the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus.
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‎He brings to the Board strong expertise in law, corporate governance, compliance, and community advocacy, with experience spanning the private sector and the social impact space.
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07/05/2026

N33.8billion Fraud: Court Convicts Saleh Mamman
** Sentence Comes May 13

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on 12- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N33.8billion.

The judge also deferred his sentence to May 13, 2026 because the former Minister was not physically present in court.

To forestall his escape from the country before being sentenced, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, applied for a bench warrant for his arrest so as to be produced in court.