Daily Law Tips (Tip 746) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LL.M,
ACIArb(UK)
![image](/2020/10/lawreport.jpg")
Introduction:
For no clear reasons, COVI-19 is not feared in Nigeria as it is
feared in Europe and America. While governments in Nigeria strive
to increase awareness and to prevent COVID-19, many Nigerians doubt
the existence or deadliness of COVID-19. Even with the surge in
reported cases of COVID-19, many Nigerians argue that the reports
are political and deceitful. To further ensure compliance with
COVID-19 protocols, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a new
COVID-19 health regulation in January 2021. The regulation
mentioned and empowered some specific law enforcement agencies and
agents in Nigeria to enforce the COVID-19 regulations across
Nigeria.
![image](/2021/01/payne-alex.jpg")
Law Enforcement Officers and the COVID-19:
Nigeria is a democratic state that operates on written laws. So,
nothing can be an offence in Nigeria, unless it is clearly written
in a state or federal law as an offence. Also, laws in Nigeria
often mention the persons that can arrest, detain and prosecute
offenders. President Buhari of Nigeria, signed into law the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021
on 26 January 2021. The said Regulations came into force
immediately and operates in all parts of Nigeria.
By the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection
Regulations 2021, certain actions and inactions relating to
COVID-19 protocols where criminalized. As such, specific
punishments were created for them, with the maximum punishment
being imprisonment for six (6) months or a fine of not more than
Two Hundred Naira (N200.00) (that is less than $1). Relying on the
fine contained in the Quarantine Act of 1926 in making the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021
has made a mess of the fine. The fine is too poor and the federal
legislature should increase it ensure deterrence.
The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations
2021, further selected and mentioned the law enforcement agencies
and agents that can enforce the Regulations. The law enforcement or
security agencies vested with the statutory power to investigate
and prosecute any person in respect of any offence under the
COVID-19 Regulations, are; Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force,
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road
Safety Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airport
Authority of Nigeria, and other relevant Local Government, State
and Federal Government agencies.
Conclusion:
Whether a person in Nigeria believes in the existence or nature of
COVID-19 is immaterial, every person in Nigeria must obey and
observe all COVID-19 health protocols. This includes, wearing of
face mask, using of soap/hand sanitizers and keeping of healthy
distances. Failure to adhere to any of the COVID-19 health
protocols in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection
Regulations 2021 is a criminal offence. And, the law enforcement
officers mentioned above, have the right and power to arrest,
investigate and prosecute such offenders.
My authorities, are:
1. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 36, 318 and 319 of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
2. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Quarantine Act of
1926.
3. Regulations 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 18, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
37, 38, 39, 40, 42 of the Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19] Health
Protection Regulations 2021
4. Onyekachi Umah, “Why the Poor Fine of N200.00 for Not Wearing
Face Mask Can’t Change” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 11 February 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/why-the-poor-fine-of-n200-00-for-not-wearing-face-mask-cant-change/>
accessed 26 February 2021.
5. Onyekachi Umah, “N200.00 is the Highest Fine for Not Wearing
Face Mask.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 4 February 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/n200-00-is-the-highest-fine-for-not-wearing-face-mask/>
accessed 10 February 2021.
6. Onyekachi Umah, “Not Wearing a Face Mask Is Now A Crime”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 29 January 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/not-wearing-a-face-mask-is-now-a-crime/>
accessed 2 February 2021.
7. Onyekachi Umah, “Failure To Wear Nose Mask Is Not An Offence In
Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 28 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/failure-to-wear-nose-mask-is-not-an-offence-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-557-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
8. Onyekachi Umah, “Nigeria Has No Law Against Public Gathering
During COVID-19 Era.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 14 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/nigeria-has-no-law-against-public-gathering-during-covid-19-era-daily-law-tips-tip-547-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
9. Onyekachi Umah, “Is There a Quarantine Act Made in 2004, After
That of 1926 in Nigeria?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 5 May 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/is-there-a-quarantine-act-made-in-2004-after-that-of-1926-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-562-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
10. Onyekachi Umah, “Court That Can Try Cases On Quarantine And
Lockdown In Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 23 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/court-that-can-try-cases-on-quarantine-and-lockdown-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-554-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk-2/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
11. Onyekachi Umah, “Punishment For Violation Of The COVID-19
Regulations Or The Quarantine Act.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 6 April
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/punishment-for-violation-of-the-covid-19-regulations-or-the-quarantine-act-daily-law-tips-tip-541-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021
12. Onyekachi Umah, “Illegality Of Covid-19 Regulations Of 2020 And
The Toothless Quarantine Act Of 1926” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 1
April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/illegality-of-covid-19-regulations-of-2020-and-the-toothless-quarantine-act-of-1926-daily-law-tips-tip-538-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
13. Onyekachi Umah, “How To Legally Declare State Of Emergency Over
Covid-19 In Nigeria Or Any State.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 15 May
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/how-to-legally-declare-state-of-emergency-over-covid-19-in-nigeria-or-any-state-daily-law-tips-tip-570-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021
14. Onyekachi Umah, “Can “NCDC” Make Regulations For Nigeria?”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 29 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/can-ncdc-make-regulations-for-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-558-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
15. Onyekachi Umah, “Management and Disposal of COVID-19 Corpses in
Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 27 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/management-and-disposal-of-covid-19-corpses-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-556-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
access 28 January 2021.
16. Onyekachi Umah, “COVID-19 and Landlords: Can Government Force
Landlords Not To Eject Tenants?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 15 April
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/covid-19-and-landlords-can-government-force-landlords-not-to-eject-tenants-daily-law-tips-tip-548-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
17. Onyekachi Umah, “Punishment For Price Increment During COVID-19
Lockdown In Lagos State.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 13 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/punishment-for-price-increment-during-covid-19-lockdown-in-lagos-state-daily-law-tips-tip-546-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
18. Onyekachi Umah, “Persons That Must Provide Medical Equipment
For COVID-19.” (LarnNigerianLaws.com, 10 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/persons-that-must-provide-medical-equipment-for-covid-19-daily-law-tips-tip-545-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
19. Onyekachi Umah, “Can An Offender Be Convicted Under The Lagos
State Infectious Diseases Regulations Or Other States’
Regulations?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 9 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/can-an-offender-be-convicted-under-the-lagos-state-infectious-diseases-regulations-or-other-states-regulations-daily-law-tips-tip-544-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
20. Onyekachi Umah, “The COVID-19 Laws In States Or State Of
Emergency: Best Tool In Fighting Coronavirus?”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 8 April 2020) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/the-covid-19-laws-in-states-or-state-of-emergency-best-tool-in-fighting-coronavirus-daily-law-tips-tip-543-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[1]> accessed 28
January 2021.
21. Onyekachi Umah, “House Rent And COVID-19: Can Landlords Evict
Tenants?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 7 April 2020) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/house-rent-and-covid-19-can-landlords-evict-tenants-daily-law-tips-tip-542-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[2]> accessed 28 January
2021.
22. Onyekachi Umah, “Shooting Of Isolation Centers’ Escapees Is
Unlawful And Punishable.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 3 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/shooting-of-isolation-centers-escapees-is-unlawful-and-punishable-daily-law-tips-tip-540-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[3]> accessed 28 January
2021.
Sabi Law Projects:
#SabiLaw
#DailyLawTips
#SabiBusinessLaw
#SabiElectionLaws
#SabiHumanRights
#SabiLawOnBeatFm
#SabiLawLectureSeries
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#SabiLawVideoChallenge
Speak with the writer, ask questions or make inquiries on this
topic or any other via onyekachi.umah@gmail.com,
info@LearnNigerianLaws.com or +2348037665878 (whatsapp).
To receive free Daily Law Tips, join our free WhatsApp group via
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAEPC3mH1ik0Ghq0yvzbvv or Telegram group,
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To keep up to date on all our free legal awareness projects of Sabi
Law Foundation, follow us via
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Please share this publication for free till it gets to those
that need it most. Save a Nigerian today! NOTE: Sharing, modifying
or publishing this publication without giving credit to the author
or Sabi Law Foundation is a criminal breach of copyright and will
be prosecuted. This publication is the writer’s view not a legal
advice and does not create any form of relationship. You may reach
the writer for more information.
This publication is powered by www.LearnNigerianLaws.com {A Free
Law Awareness Program of Sabi Law Foundation, supported by the law
firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (BCI).} Sabi Law Foundation
is a Not-For-Profit and Non-Governmental Legal Awareness
Organization based in Nigeria.
Daily Law Tips (Tip 746) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LL.M,
ACIArb(UK)
Introduction:
For no clear reasons, COVI-19 is not feared in Nigeria as it is
feared in Europe and America. While governments in Nigeria strive
to increase awareness and to prevent COVID-19, many Nigerians doubt
the existence or deadliness of COVID-19. Even with the surge in
reported cases of COVID-19, many Nigerians argue that the reports
are political and deceitful. To further ensure compliance with
COVID-19 protocols, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed a new
COVID-19 health regulation in January 2021. The regulation
mentioned and empowered some specific law enforcement agencies and
agents in Nigeria to enforce the COVID-19 regulations across
Nigeria.
Law Enforcement Officers and the COVID-19:
Nigeria is a democratic state that operates on written laws. So,
nothing can be an offence in Nigeria, unless it is clearly written
in a state or federal law as an offence. Also, laws in Nigeria
often mention the persons that can arrest, detain and prosecute
offenders. President Buhari of Nigeria, signed into law the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021
on 26 January 2021. The said Regulations came into force
immediately and operates in all parts of Nigeria.
By the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection
Regulations 2021, certain actions and inactions relating to
COVID-19 protocols where criminalized. As such, specific
punishments were created for them, with the maximum punishment
being imprisonment for six (6) months or a fine of not more than
Two Hundred Naira (N200.00) (that is less than $1). Relying on the
fine contained in the Quarantine Act of 1926 in making the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021
has made a mess of the fine. The fine is too poor and the federal
legislature should increase it ensure deterrence.
The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations
2021, further selected and mentioned the law enforcement agencies
and agents that can enforce the Regulations. The law enforcement or
security agencies vested with the statutory power to investigate
and prosecute any person in respect of any offence under the
COVID-19 Regulations, are; Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force,
the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road
Safety Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airport
Authority of Nigeria, and other relevant Local Government, State
and Federal Government agencies.
Conclusion:
Whether a person in Nigeria believes in the existence or nature of
COVID-19 is immaterial, every person in Nigeria must obey and
observe all COVID-19 health protocols. This includes, wearing of
face mask, using of soap/hand sanitizers and keeping of healthy
distances. Failure to adhere to any of the COVID-19 health
protocols in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection
Regulations 2021 is a criminal offence. And, the law enforcement
officers mentioned above, have the right and power to arrest,
investigate and prosecute such offenders.
My authorities, are:
1. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 36, 318 and 319 of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
2. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Quarantine Act of
1926.
3. Regulations 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 18, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,
37, 38, 39, 40, 42 of the Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19] Health
Protection Regulations 2021
4. Onyekachi Umah, “Why the Poor Fine of N200.00 for Not Wearing
Face Mask Can’t Change” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 11 February 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/why-the-poor-fine-of-n200-00-for-not-wearing-face-mask-cant-change/>
accessed 26 February 2021.
5. Onyekachi Umah, “N200.00 is the Highest Fine for Not Wearing
Face Mask.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 4 February 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/n200-00-is-the-highest-fine-for-not-wearing-face-mask/>
accessed 10 February 2021.
6. Onyekachi Umah, “Not Wearing a Face Mask Is Now A Crime”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 29 January 2021)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/not-wearing-a-face-mask-is-now-a-crime/>
accessed 2 February 2021.
7. Onyekachi Umah, “Failure To Wear Nose Mask Is Not An Offence In
Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 28 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/failure-to-wear-nose-mask-is-not-an-offence-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-557-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
8. Onyekachi Umah, “Nigeria Has No Law Against Public Gathering
During COVID-19 Era.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 14 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/nigeria-has-no-law-against-public-gathering-during-covid-19-era-daily-law-tips-tip-547-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
9. Onyekachi Umah, “Is There a Quarantine Act Made in 2004, After
That of 1926 in Nigeria?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 5 May 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/is-there-a-quarantine-act-made-in-2004-after-that-of-1926-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-562-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
10. Onyekachi Umah, “Court That Can Try Cases On Quarantine And
Lockdown In Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 23 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/court-that-can-try-cases-on-quarantine-and-lockdown-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-554-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk-2/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
11. Onyekachi Umah, “Punishment For Violation Of The COVID-19
Regulations Or The Quarantine Act.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 6 April
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/punishment-for-violation-of-the-covid-19-regulations-or-the-quarantine-act-daily-law-tips-tip-541-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021
12. Onyekachi Umah, “Illegality Of Covid-19 Regulations Of 2020 And
The Toothless Quarantine Act Of 1926” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 1
April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/illegality-of-covid-19-regulations-of-2020-and-the-toothless-quarantine-act-of-1926-daily-law-tips-tip-538-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
13. Onyekachi Umah, “How To Legally Declare State Of Emergency Over
Covid-19 In Nigeria Or Any State.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 15 May
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/how-to-legally-declare-state-of-emergency-over-covid-19-in-nigeria-or-any-state-daily-law-tips-tip-570-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021
14. Onyekachi Umah, “Can “NCDC” Make Regulations For Nigeria?”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 29 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/can-ncdc-make-regulations-for-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-558-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
15. Onyekachi Umah, “Management and Disposal of COVID-19 Corpses in
Nigeria.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 27 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/management-and-disposal-of-covid-19-corpses-in-nigeria-daily-law-tips-tip-556-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
access 28 January 2021.
16. Onyekachi Umah, “COVID-19 and Landlords: Can Government Force
Landlords Not To Eject Tenants?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 15 April
2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/covid-19-and-landlords-can-government-force-landlords-not-to-eject-tenants-daily-law-tips-tip-548-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
17. Onyekachi Umah, “Punishment For Price Increment During COVID-19
Lockdown In Lagos State.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 13 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/punishment-for-price-increment-during-covid-19-lockdown-in-lagos-state-daily-law-tips-tip-546-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
18. Onyekachi Umah, “Persons That Must Provide Medical Equipment
For COVID-19.” (LarnNigerianLaws.com, 10 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/persons-that-must-provide-medical-equipment-for-covid-19-daily-law-tips-tip-545-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
19. Onyekachi Umah, “Can An Offender Be Convicted Under The Lagos
State Infectious Diseases Regulations Or Other States’
Regulations?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 9 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/can-an-offender-be-convicted-under-the-lagos-state-infectious-diseases-regulations-or-other-states-regulations-daily-law-tips-tip-544-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/>
accessed 28 January 2021.
20. Onyekachi Umah, “The COVID-19 Laws In States Or State Of
Emergency: Best Tool In Fighting Coronavirus?”
(LearnNigerianLaws.com, 8 April 2020) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/the-covid-19-laws-in-states-or-state-of-emergency-best-tool-in-fighting-coronavirus-daily-law-tips-tip-543-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[1]> accessed 28
January 2021.
21. Onyekachi Umah, “House Rent And COVID-19: Can Landlords Evict
Tenants?” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 7 April 2020) <https://learnnigerianlaws.com/house-rent-and-covid-19-can-landlords-evict-tenants-daily-law-tips-tip-542-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[2]> accessed 28 January
2021.
22. Onyekachi Umah, “Shooting Of Isolation Centers’ Escapees Is
Unlawful And Punishable.” (LearnNigerianLaws.com, 3 April 2020)
<https://learnnigerianlaws.com/shooting-of-isolation-centers-escapees-is-unlawful-and-punishable-daily-law-tips-tip-540-by-onyekachi-umah-esq-llm-aciarbuk/[3]> accessed 28 January
2021.
Sabi Law Projects:
#SabiLaw
#DailyLawTips
#SabiBusinessLaw
#SabiElectionLaws
#SabiHumanRights
#SabiLawOnBeatFm
#SabiLawLectureSeries
#CriminalJusticeMonday
#SabiLawVideoChallenge
Speak with the writer, ask questions or make inquiries on this
topic or any other via onyekachi.umah@gmail.com,
info@LearnNigerianLaws.com or +2348037665878 (whatsapp).
To receive free Daily Law Tips, join our free WhatsApp group via
https://chat.whatsapp.com/GAEPC3mH1ik0Ghq0yvzbvv or Telegram group,
via the below link: https://t.me/LearnNigerianLaws
To keep up to date on all our free legal awareness projects of Sabi
Law Foundation, follow us via
Facebook Page:@LearnNigerianLaws,
Instagram: @LearnNigerianLaws, Twitter: @LearnNigeriaLaw and
YouTube: Learn Nigerian Laws
Please share this publication for free till it gets to those
that need it most. Save a Nigerian today! NOTE: Sharing, modifying
or publishing this publication without giving credit to the author
or Sabi Law Foundation is a criminal breach of copyright and will
be prosecuted. This publication is the writer’s view not a legal
advice and does not create any form of relationship. You may reach
the writer for more information.
This publication is powered by www.LearnNigerianLaws.com {A Free
Law Awareness Program of Sabi Law Foundation, supported by the law
firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (BCI).} Sabi Law Foundation
is a Not-For-Profit and Non-Governmental Legal Awareness
Organization based in Nigeria.