LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Trial — Judicial Conduct — Receipt of Extra-Judicial Communications During Pendency of Case
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
It is dangerous for a trial Judge to allow himself to be influenced by any extraneous event which takes place outside his court, because such could lead to a miscarriage of justice.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Uwais, CJN, in Orisakwe v. State (2004) NLC-2352002(SC) at p. 22; Paras A–B.
"It is dangerous for a trial Judge to allow himself to be influenced by any extraneous event which takes place outside his court, because such could lead to a miscarriage of justice."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Judges must not be influenced by extraneous events occurring outside court. Such influence risks miscarriage of justice. The principle applies to judicial conduct in all proceedings. The rule protects judicial impartiality and the fair trial right. Judges must decide solely on evidence presented in open court. Extra-judicial communications or influences are prohibited.
