A Nigerian lawyer, Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., has stated that certain forms of “billing” in romantic relationships could amount to criminal offences under Nigerian law.
According to him, Section 12 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) prohibits economic abuse and financial exploitation, and provides for up to two years’ imprisonment for offenders. He added that attempted economic abuse may also attract criminal liability.
He stressed that love should be unconditional, warning that individuals who demand or extort money under the guise of romance could find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
However, he clarified that there is no law prohibiting a woman from giving a man a gift, noting that giving and receiving gifts is gender-neutral and should be based on equality and mutual respect.
He further stated that collecting money from a man with the promise of visiting him but failing to show up may constitute obtaining by false pretence, contrary to Section 419 of the Criminal Code.
According to him, collecting advance money with the intention of receiving more money and failing to fulfil the promise may amount to advance fee fraud, an offence created by the National Assembly and triable at the Federal High Court.
He warned that such actions could expose individuals to serious legal consequences, including detention and significant legal expenses.
“Be warned,” he cautioned.
