LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Homicide — Proof of Intent — Inference from Acts
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A person is taken to intend the natural and probable consequences of his acts. Intent to murder can be inferred from the acts of the accused, such as tying the deceased's feet and hands and leaving him in the bush to die.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Iguh, JSC, in Ikpo v. The State (1995) NLC-1321994(SC) at pp. 15–16; Paras. D–A.
"A person is taken to intend the natural and probable consequences of his acts. Intent to murder can be inferred from the acts of the accused person. Where the accused tied the deceased's feet and hands and left him in the bush to die, it is very clear that they intended to kill or at the very least do the deceased grievous bodily harm."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Intent can be inferred from conduct. The law presumes that a person intends the natural consequences of their actions. Abandoning a bound victim in the bush indicates intent to kill or cause grievous harm. The principle applies the objective test. The accused may rebut the presumption. The rule assists the prosecution in proving intent. The court must consider all circumstances. The inference is one of fact, not law. The principle is well-established in criminal law. The jury or judge may infer intent from the nature of the act.