Section 176 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Carrying letters otherwise than by post

Any person who, not being authorised by the Postmaster‐General

[1966 No. 84.]

(1) sends or conveys a letter otherwise than by post; or

(2) takes charge of a letter for conveyance,

is guilty of a simple offence and is liable to a fine of one hundred naira.

This section of this Code does not extend to a letter sent or conveyed to a place in Nigeria with which postal communication has not been established, nor to a letter exceeding the weight prescribed by law for letters sent by post, nor to a letter sent by a private friend without hire or reward, on his way, journey, or travel, so as such letter be delivered to the party to whom it is directed, nor to a letter to be sent out of Nigeria by a vessel not being a packet boat, nor to a letter concerning goods sent and to be delivered with it, without any hire or reward being paid or received in respect thereof, or containing process of, or proceedings or pleadings in, a court of justice, or briefs or cases, of instructions for counsel and their opinions thereon, or containing a deed, affidavit, or power of attorney, nor to a letter sent by a special messenger and concerning the private affairs of the sender, nor to a letter sent or carried to or from the nearest post office:

Provided always that nothing in this section of this Code shall authorise any of the persons hereinafter named to carry a letter, or to receive or collect or deliver a letter, although they shall not receive hire or reward for the same‐

(a) common carriers, except a letter concerning goods which they are conveying;

(b) officers of the Nigerian Postal Service;

(c) owners, masters, or commanders of vessels being passage or packet boats, sailing and passing between places in Nigeria with which postal communication has been established, except in respect of letters concerning goods on board, or letters belonging to the owners of such vessels;

(d) passengers, members of the crew, or other persons on board any such vessels as is mentioned in paragraph (c) of this section;

(e) owners of, members of the crew, or others on board a vessel passing or repassing on a river within Nigeria, except with respect to places in Nigeria with which postal communication has not been established.

Section 176 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria

Act structure