Offence Against Public Morals in Nigeria: A Theoretical, Legal, and Comparative Analysis
Douglas, Lucky Ken
DOI: 10.67588/0009
Abstract
This study evaluates the theoretical foundations, statutory enactments, and enforcement mechanisms governing offences against public morals under the Nigerian criminal justice system, alongside a comparative legal analysis of doctrines in England and Wales, the United States, Canada, India, and France. The research investigates the persistent legal friction between state enforcement of moral norms and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights. Using a doctrinal and comparative legal research methodology, the paper examines primary statutory provisions under the Criminal Code Act, Penal Code Act, Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015, Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2014, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The investigation reveals that Nigerian criminal law remains heavily reliant on Victorian-era public morality standards, specifically the antiquated Hicklin test of obscenity, which creates significant vagueness, selective prosecution by law enforcement agencies, and severe tensions with fundamental rights to privacy, expression, and personal liberty. Comparatively, legal developments in Canada, India, and France demonstrate a progressive shift from subjective moral outrage toward objective harm testing and constitutional morality. The study recommends comprehensive legislative amendments to replace the Hicklin test with an objective harm framework, the decriminalization of status-based vagrancy and moral offences, and the establishment of clear judicial guidelines to balance public decency against constitutional rights.
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Table of Cases
Audu Maizako v Superintendent-General of Police [1960] NRNLR 188.
Aveek Sarkar v State of West Bengal (2014) 4 SCC 257.
DPP v Boardman [1975] AC 421.
DPP v P [1991] 2 AC 447.
Haruna v Police [1967] NRNLR 37.
Huddleston v United States 485 US 681 (1988).
Joseph Mangtup Din v African Newspaper of Nigeria Ltd [1990] 3 NWLR (Pt 139) 392.
Joseph Shine v Union of India (2018) 11 SCC 163.
Makanjuola v State (2021) LPELR-54998 (SC).
Makin v Attorney-General for New South Wales [1894] AC 57.
Maxwell v Director of Public Prosecutions [1935] AC 309.
Musa v State [1993] 2 NWLR (Pt 277) 550.
Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India (2018) 10 SCC 1.
Okeke v State (2016) LPELR-40024 (CA).
Popoola v Commissioner of Police [1964] NMLR 1.
R v Hanson [2005] EWCA Crim 86, [2005] 1 WLR 3169.
R v Rodley [1913] 3 KB 468.
S v Makhanya 2002 (2) SACR 299 (CC).
Selvey v Director of Public Prosecutions [1970] AC 304.
Stirland v Director of Public Prosecutions [1944] AC 315.
Tulu v Bauchi Native Authority [1965] NMLR 343.
Table of Legislation
Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (Nigeria).
African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights 1981.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (India).
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996.
Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act 1960 (Act 30) (Ghana).
Criminal Justice Act 2003 (England and Wales).
Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) (Ghana).
Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 (South Africa).
Evidence Act 1975 (NRCD 323) (Ghana).
Evidence Act 2011 (as amended 2023) (Nigeria).
Federal Rules of Evidence (United States).
Indian Evidence Act 1872 (India).
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966.
Books
Afe B, Law and Practice of Evidence in Nigeria (Intec Printers 2001).
Aguda TA, The Law of Evidence in Nigeria (Spectrum Books 2007).
Nwadialo F, Modern Nigerian Law of Evidence (2nd edn, University of Lagos Press 1999).
Okonkwo CO, Okonkwo and Naish on Criminal Law in Nigeria (2nd edn, Spectrum Books 2005).
Journal Articles
Adewale RO, "An Overview of the Cultural Problems within the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria" (2026) 2(1) Anaocha Bar Journal 68.
Aidonojie PA, Odojor AO and Agbale PO, "The Legal Impact of Plea Bargain in Settlement of High Profile Financial Criminal Cases in Nigeria" (2021) 5(2) Sriwijaya Law Review 161.
Ezeh C and Amasiatu C, "A Critical Evaluation of Human Rights Norms in Nigeria's Criminal Justice System and the Path to Reform: Bridging the Gulf" (2026) 11 African Journal of Criminal Law and Jurisprudence 23.
Njoku CO, Elom-Obed O and Okorie C, "A Critical Evaluation of Criminal Responsibility for Strict Liability Offences in Nigeria" (2024) 5(1) LASU Journal of Public Law 14.
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