Ebelechukwu law firm

01/03/2026

Is My Foreign Divorce Decree Valid in Nigeria?

Many Nigerians assume that once a foreign court dissolves their marriage, the matter is settled everywhere. That assumption is not always correct.

If your marriage was celebrated under the Marriage Act in Nigeria and later dissolved in another country, the foreign judgment must be recognised by a Nigerian High Court before it can have legal effect in Nigeria.

Until that recognition is obtained, you may encounter difficulties with remarriage, property transactions, estate administration, and official documentation.

We assist clients with applications for recognition of foreign divorce judgments in Nigeria, ensuring that the necessary court processes are properly filed and prosecuted.

For clarity on how to get your foreign divorce decree recognised in Nigeria, send us a direct message.

16/02/2026

It is good to be back.

For over two months, I stepped away from this page and my other platforms following the passing of my mother. It was a quiet season for my family and me. Grief has a way of slowing everything down and reminding you of what truly matters.

I want to sincerely thank every one of you who reached out. Those who called. Those who sent text messages. Those who commented, prayed, visited, and supported financially and otherwise. Your kindness carried us. It made the mourning lighter and reminded me that I am surrounded by a community that cares. I do not take it for granted.

My mother was laid to rest on 6 February 2026. We thank God that the burial was peaceful and successful. We trust that her gentle soul rests in perfect peace.

Now, I return with renewed strength and clarity.

I remain your family and property lawyer. My mission is simple and firm: to help you protect what you cannot afford to lose -your family, your property, and your legacy.

We will continue, one question at a time. If you care about marriage, divorce, land, inheritance, and succession, this is the right place to be. Stay with me as we simplify the law and make it clear, practical, and useful for everyday life.

Thank you for standing with me.

E. C Aroh-Nwoka Esq

14/01/2026

With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of God, I share the burial arrangements of my beloved mother, grandmother, and Evangelist, Late Ukamaka Juliana Aroh (née Okonkwo).

She lived a quiet life of faith and devotion, and her presence will be deeply missed. Though words are few, our gratitude for her life is deep, and we take comfort in the hope of eternal rest.

Please keep our family in your prayers as we prepare to lay her to rest. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

E. C Aroh-Nwoka Esq.

01/01/2026

09/11/2025

Dear tenants, this one is for you. Draw closer.

Imagine this: you live in a flat and pay your rent yearly. One faithful evening, you return home and find a paper pasted on your door. You look closely and discover that it is a Notice to Quit.

Reading through it, you realise you have been given just one month to vacate the premises.

One month? That cannot be right. “I pay rent yearly!” you exclaimed. “Even if my landlord no longer wants me in his house, surely I deserve more time,” you said in anger.

This is the reality for many tenants, being served short notices despite paying rent yearly. However, it raises an important question:

What is the correct length of notice a landlord must give a tenant in Anambra State?

Nwannem, here is what you should know

Tenancy is a contract, and in every contract, the parties are bound by the terms of their agreement.

Therefore, if your landlord gave you a written tenancy agreement and you signed it, whatever is contained in that agreement regarding the length of notice to be given by either party will apply. Yes, agreement is agreement according to Osuofia. No be so?

For example, if the tenancy agreement provides that either party must give one month’s notice, then that is the valid notice period, even if the rent is paid yearly or half-yearly.

But what if there is no written agreement?

According to Emeka, “In my case, there is no tenancy agreement. My landlord only sent his account number and told me to pay yearly.”

In such a case, the law steps in to protect you. Under the Landlord and Tenant Law of Anambra State (Cap. 76, Laws of Anambra State 1991),which similar to other states Landlords and Tenant Laws, where there is no written agreement, the length of notice depends on how rent is paid.

This simply means that:

Weekly tenancy gets one week’s notice
Monthly tenancy gets one month’s notice
Quarterly tenancy gets three months’ notice
Yearly tenancy gets six months’ notice

Takeaway:

If there is a tenancy agreement, follow the terms stated in it.

If there is no agreement, the Landlord and Tenant Law determines the notice period based on how rent is paid.

Therefore, a yearly tenant without a written tenancy agreement is entitled to six months’ notice, not one month.

I am Ebelechukwu Aroh-Nwoka, the Nigerian family and property lawyer.
I help you protect what you cannot afford to lose; your land, your legacy, and your family.

09/11/2025

Do you live outside Nigeria?

Or are you a non-Nigerian married to a Nigerian, wondering if you can legally file for divorce or judicial separation in Nigeria?

If this sounds like you, come closer. I just published a fresh article explaining how you can file for divorce in Nigeria while living abroad without stepping foot in the country. It breaks down jurisdiction, domicile, and the process- in clear, practical language.

Oya, what are you waiting for?

Head straight to the comments to read the full article and protect your peace.

08/11/2025

Dear Igbo Sons, Your Sisters Are Not Strangers to the Inheritance

Your sisters are not less human beings. Make no mistake about this!

The viral video of a woman allegedly thrown out of her late father’s house by her nephew has once again reawakened the question of the status of the female child under Igbo native law and custom.

It is no longer news that many women are disinherited in Igbo land. Yes, second-class citizen is even a better status compared to how the girl child is treated when it comes to inheritance.

As a family and property lawyer, I am constantly confronted with stories of siblings being unjust to their sisters simply because they are women. Imagine sons distributing their father’s property without any thought for their sisters. To them, that is the custom. But when it comes to family responsibilities, they suddenly remember that their sisters are part of the family.

Deceit. Wickedness. Injustice at its peak.

They often argue, “But she is married.”
And I ask, does marriage make her any less a child of her parents? Many women endure abusive marriages because they have no refuge to return to, courtesy of this same oppressive custom.

So, what does the law say?

Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution frowns against any form of discrimination on the grounds of s*x. If a son is entitled to inheritance and a daughter is not, simply because she is a girl, that is a classic case of discrimination.

Under our laws, for any custom to be applicable, such custom must not be repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, and must not be inconsistent with the Constitution.

Obviously, the said custom that disinherits women simply because they are female is in direct conflict with the above provision of the Constitution. Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution provides that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is, to the extent of its inconsistency, null and void. This means such custom which still rears its ugly head in Igbo land is void by virtue of the above.

In Asika v. Atuanya (2008) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1117) 484, the Court of Appeal held that:

“By virtue of sections 42(1) and 43 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibit discrimination against women, any native law and custom that discriminates against women is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, and must be abolished. A custom that is repugnant to natural justice should not be allowed to rear its ugly head.”

(See also Mojekwu v. Mojekwu (1997) 7 NWLR (Pt. 512) 283.)

In summary, your sisters are not less human beings. Say no to discrimination of whatever form. As a parent, one way to guard against this is to plan your estate. This gives you the right to distribute your property the way you wish.

I am Ebelechukwu Aroh-Nwoka, the Nigerian family and property lawyer. I help you protect what you cannot afford to lose: your land, your legacy, and your family.

03/11/2025

Our October website scorecard is out!

We recorded 600 organic clicks on our site, a 20 percent increase from the 500 clicks in September.

Even though we did not publish new articles this month, our content continued to reach more readers, thanks in part to the digital systems and tools we use to optimise our site. This shows that our articles resonate deeply with our audience.

If you are a lover of family and property law and have not visited our blog yet, I honestly do not know what you are waiting for.

At Ebelechukwu Law Firm, we help you protect what you cannot afford to lose- your land, your legacy, and your family.

Kindly visit the comments section for the link to our blog.

27/10/2025

Virtual Hearings: Accessing Justice from Abroad

Being abroad is no longer a barrier to accessing justice in Nigeria. Recently, our firm represented a client in Canada who needed to dissolve her customary marriage before a Nigerian customary court.

We filed the petition, and with the court’s approval, served the respondent through email and WhatsApp. The client was later permitted to testify virtually via Zoom after we made an application to the court. To ensure a smooth hearing, we engaged a service provider who set up the projector, generator, and other necessary equipment. The session went successfully, and our client gave her testimony without leaving Canada.

This experience reflects the gradual transformation of the Nigerian judiciary. Though challenges remain, technology is helping Nigerians at home and abroad access justice more efficiently. Courts now permit electronic service and virtual appearances in appropriate cases, making the system more inclusive.

At Ebelechukwu Law Firm, we are committed to helping Nigerians worldwide resolve family and property matters through efficient, technology-supported legal processes.

Ebelechukwu Law Firm- Family, Property, and Estate Lawyers in Anambra State and beyond.

NB. Picture below is the service provider with the generator in readiness for the virtual hearing. Trust Nigerian power suppliers at your own peril 😆.

25/10/2025

She Was Asked to Drink Her Late Husband’s Bath Water But the Law Said No

The social media space was recently flooded with the heartbreaking story of a young widow from Awo Omamma in Oru East LGA, Imo State, whose husband died after a protracted illness.

During the burial, her in-laws allegedly insisted that she must drink and bathe with the water used in bathing her late husband’s co**se and even wanted to shave her children’s hair as part of a so-called cleansing ritual.

This is not just cruelty; it is a crime under Nigerian law.

Rescue came when the matter was reported to the Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, HH Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu (Mama Palliative) and the Office of Her Excellency, Chief Dr Chioma Uzodimma, wife of the Governor of Imo State.

Working with the Chairman of Oru East LGA, Virgin Heart Foundation, Onurube Initiative, and security personnel, the Ministry’s team intervened immediately and stopped the act. The widow and her children were rescued, and those involved handed over to law enforcement for prosecution.

Across Nigeria, many widows still suffer degrading and inhuman widowhood practices in the name of culture. But the law is clear and uncompromising.

Under Section 17 of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2021,

“Drinking the water used in washing a widow’s husband’s co**se,”
“compulsory shaving of her hair,”
“sleeping beside the co**se,” and similar acts are criminal offences.

Anyone who carries out such practices is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not less than five hundred thousand naira or both.
Even attempting to commit such acts attracts imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand naira or both.

Before you say that is only in Imo State, know that most states in Nigeria have now domesticated the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, including Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Lagos, Benue, and Edo States.

Widowhood is not a crime. It deserves compassion, not cruelty.
Any custom or tradition that humiliates or harms a widow is unlawful and punishable under the law.

Every widow in Nigeria should know this: you have rights and the law protects you.
If anyone tries to subject you to such treatment, report to the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Police, or a recognised human rights organisation.

At Ebelechukwu Law Firm, we help you protect what you cannot afford to lose; your land, your legacy, and your family.

24/10/2025

Who Can Be Appointed as an Executor in Nigeria

Many Nigerian families fight bitterly after the death of a loved one, not because there was no will, but because the wrong person was chosen to manage it.
If you are thinking of planning your estate, you must pay close attention to whom you appoint as an executor. That choice alone can determine whether your family enjoys peace or ends up in conflict.

So, who exactly is an executor?
An executor is the person who steps into the shoes of a testator, that is, the person who made the will, and carries out his wishes after his death.

Let us make it clearer.
Papa Emeka has heard how families suffer after the death of a loved one because they failed to make a will. He does not want his wife and children to go through such pain. He engages a lawyer, who prepares his will. Remembering his trusted friend John, he decides that John will ensure everything written in his will is carried out faithfully. In this case, John is the executor of Papa Emeka’s will.

Under Nigerian law, you may appoint:

1. An adult of sound mind, someone mentally and legally capable.

2. A corporate organisation, such as a trust company.

3. The Executor General of your state, if no suitable individual is available.

However, naming someone or an organisation as your executor should never be a casual decision. It must be guided by trust, integrity, and sound legal advice. An executor manages your estate after your death, including your assets, your instructions, and your legacy. A wrong choice can bring confusion, quarrels, and court cases.

If you are writing your will or revising an old one, it is advisable to seek professional guidance. At Ebelechukwu Law Firm, we assist clients in making legally sound decisions about estate planning, wills, and succession to ensure that their loved ones are protected and their wishes are fulfilled.

17/10/2025

Read This Before You Build on Family Land

Many families have spent years in avoidable court cases because of ignorance of what I am about to share.

Meet Emeka. He is from the Okafor family, one of the families that own vast portions of land in their village. Their great-grandfather was said to be a mighty warrior who conquered neighbouring lands and took them as his own. That is how the Okafor family came to possess such large farmlands.

Today, the Okafor family is made up of three sub-families. Each member farms on portions of the family land for agriculture and personal use. Emeka, like others, has been farming on a portion for years.

Recently, his crops yielded bountifully. Excited, he said, “God has blessed me! It is time to build.” Without consulting anyone, he bought blocks and sand and began to develop the land he had been farming on. He expected others to rejoice with him, but instead, he met resistance. The family threatened to sue him if he did not stop building.

Confused, Emeka asked, “What have I done wrong?”

If you are like Emeka, pay attention-here is what he got wrong.

Family land, like the Okafor family’s land, is jointly owned by all members of the family. The family head has the right to allocate portions for temporary use- such as farming- but that allocation does not make any individual the owner of that piece. Until the family land is formally partitioned or shared, it remains the collective property of the family.

That means any permanent structure built on unpartitioned family land automatically becomes a family property, not the builder’s personal property.

Lessons to Learn

Before you build on any family land:

Make sure the land has been properly shared or partitioned among the family branches.

Obtain clear evidence of partition- minutes of family meetings, survey plans, or written agreements. This is to avoid chocho with no evidence.

Avoid investing in permanent structures on unshared family land. Otherwise, after spending your hard-earned money, you may lose the property to the family.

Do not be another Emeka. Seek legal advice and documentation before you build.

I am Ebelechukwu Aroh-Nwoka, the Nigerian family and property lawyer.
I help you protect what you cannot afford to lose- your land, your legacy and your family.