Who Owns Your WhatsApp, Facebook, or Bitcoin When You Die? Nigerian Lawyer Explains, Shares Process
- A lawyer explains how people can determine who takes over their social media and online accounts when they die
- She opened people’s eyes to how they can determine who can access their social media and bitcoin accounts after their death
- What she said caught people's attention, as they shared who they liked to take over their digital inheritance
A Nigerian lawyer, Stella Justice, explained how people can determine who controls their social media accounts and bitcoin when they pass away.
She stated that people could secure their digital life after death through digital inheritance.
Source: Facebook
In a Facebook post, she noted people prepare wills for their houses, cars and land but fail to make provision for their digital accounts.
She said:
“Who owns your WhatsApp, Facebook, or Bitcoin when you die? Your passwords can die with you. We prepare wills for houses, land, and cars etc."
Steps to secure Facebook, Bitcoin after death
In another post, she listed steps through which digital inheritance can be legal.
The post read:
“Think about it: A Facebook page with 200k followers. A YouTube channel that pays in dollars. A Bitcoin wallet with millions. WhatsApp, Gmail, and other accounts that hold your memories and secrets."
“The question is: What happens when you’re gone? Here’s what you can do:
1. INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR WILL:
Social media, emails, Bitcoin, websites, online businesses… they are assets too.
2. KEEP A PASSWORD RECORD:
Store it safely with a lawyer, trusted family member, or secure vault.
3. APPOINT A DIGITAL EXECUTOR:
Someone legally empowered to manage your online accounts after death.
4. ACTIVATE “LEGACY OPTIONS”:
Facebook, Google, and some platforms allow you to decide who controls your account when you’re gone.
5. UPDATE REGULARLY:
"Change is constant. As you change passwords or open new accounts, update your record. Don’t let your online life die with you. Your children can inherit your house, but they should also inherit your digital empire."
Source: Facebook
Reactions trail lawyer’s advice on digital inheritance
Sen Samuel John said:
"Tremendous submission. If I'm to handover my password then the only person I will trust to do so is my children that's when I'm married."
Njabulo Ndimande said:
"Impressive , can I get an assistant on contract review please."
Felix Manasseh said:
"Stella, you’re just too good! You actually make a layman proud to respect the learned ones. Some of your colleagues can be all about intimidation, pride, and plenty of arrogance, but you? You stay real, no matter the counsel or legal charge."
Danlami Mabas Avou Coachie said:
"This is so serious a good idea and suggestions worthwhile to social media users."
Anthony Emmanuel said:
"I will hand it over to you ma...because I trusted you so much."
John Michael said:
"In any of my social media or even bank affairs i usually tell my younger brother, Blood is thicker than water."
In related stories, a lawyer shares how wives can get a share of their husband's property, while another female lawyer explained why a couple can't get 50-50 property sharing during divorce.
Lawyer speaks on wife's maiden name
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lawyer said that bearing your father’s surname as a wife won’t stop your family visa with your husband.
She shared how such a woman can apply alongside their husband and children, despite still using her father's surname.
Her viral post sparked mixed reactions, as netizens shared their observations about what she said.
Source: Legit.ng
