A Nigerian lawyer has provided detailed legal argument on why the conviction of Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz for violating a lockdown order in Lagos state may not be legally sound.
Earlier reports by LIB stated that the couple were fined N100,000 each and sentenced to 14 days of community service, three hours per day, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.
Constitutional Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, questioned the legality of the conviction and highlighted constitutional and jurisdictional flaws in the case.
INTRODUCTION:
Effiong argued that the trial and conviction of Funke Akindele and her husband contain legal flaws raised from constitutional and jurisdictional aspects, despite their guilty plea.
He highlighted that the charge and conviction were based on a non-existent offense, as the defendants were charged with an offense that is not recognized by law.
He also pointed out the constitutional requirements for an act or omission to be considered a crime, and emphasized that the punishment imposed on the defendants exceeds the law.
In a rejoinder post, Effiong further defended his argument by stating that there is no legal basis for dictating the actions of citizens in their homes, citing the constitutional guarantee of the right to privacy in the home under Section 37.
He reiterated his stance that the government cannot dictate the activities of citizens within their homes, and questioned the grounds on which the couple was convicted.
Effiong emphasized the need for a fair and consistent application of the law, expressing his disagreement with the treatment of Funke Akindele and her husband.