“If you’re not up to 21, you’re an infant under the law” – Nigerian student lawyer explains
A Nigerian law student has sparked reactions online after sharing a video where she spoke about legal rights for people under the age of 21.
The video was shared by AskyGRN on X (formerly Twitter), showing the young lady, identified as Barrister Amida, explaining certain aspects of contract law in a humorous but controversial manner.
“You Don’t Know Your Rights”
In the video, the student lawyer claimed that many young Nigerians are unaware of their legal rights.
She stated that under the law, anyone below the age of 21 is considered an “infant” and may not be fully liable when entering into certain contracts.
According to her explanation, individuals under 21 are generally not bound by contractual obligations, except in cases involving necessities such as food.
She suggested that even in such cases, the liability may be limited.
Advice on Borrowing and Liability
She further argued that a person below 21 who borrows money may not be legally compelled to repay it because they are considered incapable of entering into a binding contract.
In her words: “One thing about you guys in this country is that you don’t know your rights. Now, I’m going to teach you another one of your rights. You know that if you are not up to 21, you are an infant under the law, right? Yes.
So now, if you go to all these places that are selling food and you go and eat food, and you tell them, oh ma, I am not liable to pay because I am not up to 21, they might beat you. But according to the law, you are not meant to pay. But you are meant to give, like, let’s say you are liable because it is a necessity.
But then, if the food is 50K and then you only have 1K, the person must collect it because you are just an infant. You are just an infant, una go think say I dey entertain una, una no go know say I dey use una remember wetin I go write for exam.
But then, if you go and lend money, you go and lend up to 500K, the person cannot sue you. In fact, you are not even liable to refund the money. You are just an infant, and you are not ready to enter into a contract. So, my dear, this is an advice from Barrister Amida, to go and borrow plenty money before you enter 21, so that when they now actually say, please, you can take me to court, I am not liable.
Oh, yeah! They’re going to beat you. But seriously, under the law, once you are not up to 21, there are plenty of things that they cannot do to you. You are just an infant, and you are incapable of entering into a contract. So, start using your rights well, though. Don’t allow them to maltreat you. Which one is that you go and borrow money, you now pay your money back? So, why are you running? Why would you pay the money? Are you not just an infant? But please, if they are about to beat you, don’t say Amida gave you advice.
I’m just teaching you law.”
See below;
“Many Nigerians don’t know their rights. If you’re under 21, you’re legally an infant. So technically, you can eat at a restaurant and refuse to pay because the law doesn’t require you to. They might beat you but you’re an infant under the law.” 😂
— Upcoming lawyer says. 😭 pic.twitter.com/8cj0f41i4S
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) February 17, 2026
