EVIDENCE LAW — Number of Witnesses — No Particular Number Required Except as Provided by Statute
Principle Statement
The Evidence Act, Cap 112 LFN 1990, has provided as follows: '179 (1) Except as provided in this section, no particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.'
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per I.T. Muhammad, JSC, in Kopek Construction Ltd v. Ekisola (2010) NLC-123-213-2002(SC) at p. 31; Paras A—C.
"The Evidence Act, Cap 112 LFN 1990, has provided as follows: '179 (1) Except as provided in this section, no particular number of witnesses shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.'"
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that no particular number of witnesses is required to prove any fact, except as provided by statute. The principle applies where the number of witnesses is challenged. It ensures that the quality, not quantity, of evidence matters. The principle reflects the Evidence Act provision. It prevents courts from requiring a specific number of witnesses. The court must assess the quality of evidence. The principle provides guidance on the number of witnesses required.
