It’s the season of love. Indeed, this weekend will be a season of celebration as Saturday is Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14 across the world. And while February is seen as the “month of love,” many have misinterpreted the same to be a season of “s3xual adventures”.
There is a popular perception that women tend to celebrate Valentine’s Day more than men. And the reason for this is that the holiday is heavily marketed towards romantic gestures and traditionally seen as a day for men to show affection through gifts and grand displays, with women traditionally expected to be the recipients. Also, it is believed that women are more likely to anticipate and enjoy the benefits of the season, though surveys conducted recently by various bodies have revealed that the gap is not as significant as people believe.
It is a fact that Valentine’s Day marketing heavily targets women with romantic imagery and gift ideas, potentially creating the perception that they are more invested in the holiday.
And while Valentine’s Day is a time for celebration, certain actions can lead to serious legal consequences for women in Nigeria under both federal and state laws. It is therefore instructive for women, especially youths to put their emotions in check and celebrate in moderation so they do not get into legal trouble.
There are some acts that may lead individuals from valentine celebration to jail as some seemingly harmless acts are considered a crime legally and breaching such provisions has consequences. These provisions are under the Penal Code, the Criminal Code Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Act 2015, FRSC Act and the CBN Act. Some of such acts include:
Breach of Promise or exploitation:
Offences under this provision are also categorised as obtaining by false pretences. Collecting money from a romantic interest with a promise to meet at a designated place and then willfully failing to show up can be classified as fraud under Section 419 of the Criminal Code. Collecting significant sums of money under a romantic guise with the intent to solicit even more may lead to charges of Advanced Fee Fraud. If you won’t turn up, don’t take transport fare or money for other things that indicate you are interested in meeting such a person; makeup, clothing money, transport etc. this is considered a fraudulent act under the law. The fact is that collecting money in advance for transport fare to visit someone and failing to show up can lead to charges under the Advanced Fee Fraud Act
Indecent Exposure:
Intentionally exposing genital organs or substantial parts of the body in public to cause distress or induce others into an offense is punishable by up to one year in prison under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Act 2015.
Soliciting for sex and prostitution:
It is important to watch what you do during the Val celebration because soliciting for sex and prostitution remains illegal under the Criminal Code and the Penal Code in Nigeria, don’t let the environment push you into crime.
Assault:
Arguments are common at public spaces, especially where there is a crowd and individuals are forced into each other’s personal space. Note that general physical altercations or causing injury to another person (including other women or partners) are punishable under the Criminal Code used in Southern Nigeria and the Penal Code used in the North.
Adultery:
In some parts of Northern Nigeria governed by the Penal Code, adultery is considered a criminal offense that can carry a sentence of up to two years.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
There is a common phrase in Nigeria which says, ‘If you drink, don’t drive, if you drive, don’t drink.’ Alcohol consumption is common during Val’s Day parties, but driving while intoxicated can lead to immediate arrest, fines, and vehicle impoundment as provided under the provisions of the FRSC Act.
Engaging minors/ nonconsensual sex:
There are various provisions of the law that consider engaging in s3xual relations with a minor to be rape because a minor can’t legally give consent. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a minor in Nigeria and can therefore not give consent to s3xual relations. Even if consent is given, it can’t stand in the face of the law because minors are not of legal age to give consent. Watch who you relate to before you get into trouble for engaging a minor.
Also, engaging in s3xual acts without consent with an adult is a serious offense under the S3xual Offences Act. It is punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Fornication:
Fornication, which is the act of engaging in s3xual relations outside of marriage, is a serious offense and can lead to severe penalties.
Money bouquets:
Do you know Valentine’s gifts can land you in trouble as a woman? For commemoration of Valentine like other celebrations, money bouquet is a hit as a gift and a norm. But do you know Valentine’s Day bouquet can land you in prison. Giving or receiving money bouquet may actually land you in trouble at this period. Why? Money bouquet contradicts the laws on handling of money in Nigeria.
Of all gifts, money bouquets can earn you prison time in Nigeria, so while it is beautiful, it may not be the best idea. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has, over the years, stated that money bouquets and money cakes are forms of Naira abuse and a criminal offence under Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007 with a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine of ₦50,000 for anyone found guilty.
Another offence is spraying money, so when the surprise band is sent to celebrate you with paranran, be careful of being sprayed with money because this is a punishable offence. And it is no longer an ordinary law on paper without effect; an actress, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, was few years ago, sentenced to six months in prison after being arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) after a video of her spraying and stepping on the new naira notes circulated on the internet on February 1, 2023.
It is an offence that contravenes Section 21 of the CBN Act 2007. This section states that “A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less than N50,000 or both such fine and imprisonment.”
So, with the innovative packaging of love and celebration gift items in the society today, especially with the vogue of money bouquet or money cake, many people may be getting into trouble on Saturday.
As you celebrate this weekend, o it may be time to avoid money cake or money bouquet model because while it is in vogue and appears cute and romantic, you don’t want to be made an example to teach others a lesson. It can lead to a jail term or fine or even both.
It is important for individuals to be aware of these offenses and to avoid engaging in them during the Valentine’s Day celebration to ensure they do not face legal repercussions.