In law, ignorance of the law is not an excuse, it is essential that parents, teachers and all care givers are conversant with the basic provisions of the law. Below are ten things you should know that amounts to an offence in your relationship with children:

1. It is unlawful to draw tattoo, skin mark or tribal mark on a child below 18 years of age. The Child Rights Act in Section 24(2) criminalized drawing tattoo or marks on children and persons found guilty shall be liable to either one-month imprisonment, maximum of N5,000 fine or both.

2. It is prohibited remove or take a child below 18 years of age out of the custody or protection of his father or mother, guardian or such other person having lawful care or charge of the child against the will of such father, mother, guardian or other person. This act is punishable with imprisonment of between seven (7) to twenty (20) years depending on the circumstances surrounding the act. See Section 17 of Child Rights Act

3. The law prohibits forced or exploitative labour of children below 18 years of age, it is unlawful to employ person younger than 18 years old as a domestic help (outside his own home or family environment) or to work in any capacity, or such work that will require the child to lift, carry or move anything so heavy as to be likely to adversely affect his physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. Any person who employs a child in the mode not permitted by law is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand naira or imprisonment for a term of five years or to both such fine and imprisonment.

4. It is unlawful for any person to buy, sell, hire, let on hire, dispose a child. The law prohibits a child from being used for the purpose of begging for alms, guiding beggars, prostitution, hawking, domestic or sexual labour or for any unlawful or immoral purpose.

5. It is unlawful to intentionally uses any computer system or network in for producing, distributing or offering child pornography. In fact, it is an offence to be found in possession child pornography files in a computer system or on a computer-data storage medium and such act is punishable with fine or imprisonment ranging from one to ten years. See Section 24 Cyber Crime Prohibition Act 2015

6. It is also unlawful for any person to intentionally propose, groom or solicit, through any computer system or network, to meet a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities with the child

7. Sexual intercourse with a child is an offence notwithstanding that he/she consent and would be regarded in law as rape. In law, it is not an excuse that the offender thought the girl was above eighteen years old and such act is punishable with imprisonment for life.

8. Child marriage and child betrothal is void and unlawful.

9. Deserting your children under the age of twelve (12) despite being able to maintain such child is an offence and offenders are liable to fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and the cost reasonably incurred by other person in taking care of the child. See Section 278 of the Criminal law of Lagos State 2015

10. It is unlawful to impregnate a woman or girl and refuse to contribute to maternity related cost and any such person is liable to a fine of N 45,000 (Forty Five Thousand Naira) and the cost reasonably incurred by other person in taking care of the mother and child. See Section 279 of the Criminal law of Lagos State 2015

As we engage with children in our everyday lives, it is essential that we are mindful of the law. Should you require any questions or explanation, feel free to send us an email at olivesandcandles@zoho.com

Thank you

thanks, very useful but these laws should be revised because the fines are too little.