In Nigerian law, a promise to marry carries legal weight and should not be made carelessly. When an individual makes a genuine commitment to marry another person and later withdraws from that promise without justifiable reason, the affected party has the right to seek redress in court. This is legally referred to as a “Breach of Promise to Marry.”
The law acknowledges that breaking such a promise can lead to emotional trauma, financial loss, or reputational damage. Consequently, both men and women have equal rights to sue for breach of promise in a competent court, provided there is substantial evidence such as an engagement, introduction ceremony, or verifiable communications indicating an intention to marry.
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While Nigerian law does not compel anyone to proceed with marriage against their will, it emphasizes accountability when one party induces another into believing a marriage will take place. Victims may be entitled to damages or compensation for the emotional and material harm suffered.
It is worth noting that this matter is treated as a civil case, not a criminal offense. However, it reinforces the seriousness with which the Nigerian legal system views promises made within the context of marriage.