Gabriel Omachi

Research Student

Gabriel Omachi is affiliated with The Open University Law School.

You can email Gabriel Omachi directly but for media enquiries, please contact a member of The Open University's Media Relations Team.

Biography

Gabriel is a passionate researcher with a strong interest in human rights and the impact of colonial legal systems on contemporary Nigerian jurisprudence, particularly regarding gender and sexuality bias. He is committed to social justice and has dedicated his legal career and volunteer work to advocating for those in need. He finds interdisciplinary research enriching and enjoys exploring the complexities of legal issues from various perspectives.

Gabriel enjoys staying active and has a keen interest in sports, particularly athletics and football.

Research Interests

Gender and Sexuality Bias in Nigerian Law
Colonial and Religious Influences on Nigerian Jurisprudence

Education

PhD Candidate, Open University (Current)
Master of Laws (LLM) – University of Jos, Nigeria
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – University of Jos, Nigeria – Best Graduating Student in Jurisprudence
Nigeria Law School – Called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor

Professional Experience

Lawyer (Location, Nigeria) - Practiced criminal and civil law in various Nigerian states, appearing before all Superior Courts of Record (High Courts, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court)
Jos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (Various Roles) - Secretary of Disciplinary Committee, Election Committee, Voters Education & Mobilization Committee, Chair of Human Rights Committee
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) (Volunteer) - Provided legal assistance to underprivileged individuals and advocated for human rights.

Professional Qualifications

Notary Public (Nigeria)
Chartered Conciliator and Mediator

Affiliations

Rotary International

Current Research

Gender and Sexuality Bias in Nigeria, A Colonial and Religious Importation

His PhD research argues that laws discriminating against gender and sexuality in Nigeria are not traditional, but stem from colonialism and religion. It uses a mix of legal, historical, and social legal analysis to examine this issue across different aspects of Nigerian society. The research includes legal documents, historical records, interviews with traditional rulers, and other sources. The conclusion aims to highlight the complexity of the issue due to Nigeria's colonial and religious history and emphasizes the importance of understanding its roots to fight discrimination effectively. His doctoral research is supervised by Prof. Caroline Derry and Dr. Sophie Doherty.