Crime doesn’t start with handcuffs. It often starts with ignorance. From murder to cyberstalking, Nigerian law classifies certain acts as offences against the state, not just against individuals. That means no “out of court settlement” can erase them. Legal analyst Emmanuella Okafor breaks down 20 common criminal offences every citizen should understand to stay on the right side of the law, writes Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, our anchorman from Abuja. Excerpts.
Murder
Murder is the unlawful and intentional causing of another person’s death. Under Nigerian law, it carries the death penalty. Intent is key, the person planned or meant to kill. Because it’s an offence against the state, families cannot “settle” a murder case out of court.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter also causes death, but without intent to kill. Examples include death from reckless driving or fighting that goes too far. Punishment is severe, though less than murder, but it’s still a felony prosecuted by the government.
Armed Robbery
This is stealing property while armed with a weapon or using violence/threats. In Nigeria, armed robbery attracts life imprisonment or death. The use of a weapon makes it more serious than ordinary theft because it endangers lives.
Theft
Theft means taking another person’s property without consent and with intent to permanently deprive them. It covers pickpocketing, shoplifting, or stealing phones. While less violent than robbery, it’s still a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
Burglary
Burglary is breaking into a building with intent to commit a crime inside, usually theft. The “breaking in” and the criminal intent are what make it burglary, even if nothing is eventually stolen. It’s treated seriously because it violates a person’s security at home.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is unlawfully abducting or detaining a person against their will. With rising cases in Nigeria, the law now prescribes life imprisonment or death depending on the circumstances. It’s strictly a state offence — no private settlement.
Rape
Rape is sexual intercourse without consent. Consent must be free, informed, and given by someone of legal age. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act prescribes life imprisonment for offenders. It’s prosecuted by the state, not the victim alone.
Assault
Assault is intentionally causing harm or threatening harm to another person. It ranges from slapping to threats with a weapon. Even a threat that puts someone in fear of immediate violence can be assault under the law.
Forgery
Forgery is making or altering documents with intent to deceive. This includes fake certificates, land documents, or signatures. Because it undermines trust in records, it’s treated as a felony with prison terms.
Obtaining by False Pretence / Fraud / 419
This is getting money or property through deception — fake contracts, investment scams, romance fraud. “419” cases are prosecuted by EFCC and carry heavy penalties. Deception for gain is always criminal.
Defilement
Defilement is sexual activity with a minor, with or without consent. Nigerian law sets the age of consent at 18. Because minors cannot legally consent, any sexual act with them is defilement and punishable by life imprisonment.
Perjury
Perjury is giving false testimony under oath in court or in official proceedings. It obstructs justice. Lying under oath can land you in prison, even if the main case is unrelated to you.
Arson
Arson is intentionally setting property on fire. Whether it’s a house, vehicle, or shop, the act endangers lives and destroys livelihoods. It’s a serious felony with long prison sentences.
Criminal Defamation
This involves publishing false statements that damage another person’s reputation. Unlike civil defamation, criminal defamation can lead to arrest and prosecution, especially if done maliciously online or in print.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms
Possessing guns, ammunition, or explosives without legal authorization is a federal offence. Nigeria’s Firearms Act makes this punishable by lengthy imprisonment because illegal weapons fuel other violent crimes.
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is unlawfully transporting or recruiting people against their will for exploitation, labor, or sex. NAPTIP prosecutes these cases. It’s a crime against human dignity and attracts severe penalties.
Why These Matter
As Emmanuella Okafor notes, these offences are between the government and the individual. The state prosecutes them because they threaten public order, safety, and trust. Unlike civil disputes, “out of court settlement” usually does not apply once charges are filed.
The Bigger Picture
The list goes on money laundering, drug trafficking, treason, cyberstalking, and more. But the principle is the same: ignorance is not a defense in law. Understanding what the law defines as crime is the first step to avoiding it.
Final Word
Avoiding crime starts with choices. Avoid violence, deception, and anything that violates another person’s rights or the state’s laws. As Okafor puts it: “So as much as possible, avoid any of the offences listed above.” In Nigeria, the law is blind to status it only sees the act.
