LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Defences — Insanity — Evidence of Insanity Tendered by Accused Person
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The law is that evidence of insanity tendered by the accused himself is suspect and is not usually taken seriously.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Edozie, JSC, in Guobadia v. State (2004) NLC-2952002(SC) at p. 9; Paras E–A.
"But the law is that evidence of insanity tendered by the accused himself is suspect and is not usually taken seriously: see Onyekwe v. The State (1988) 1 NWLR (Pt. 72) 565."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Self-serving testimony of insanity is treated with suspicion. The principle applies to criminal law. The accused must adduce independent medical or expert evidence. The rule prevents abuse of the insanity defence. The court will require corroboration. The principle is well-established.