It is settled law that penal statutes are to be construed strictly to the benefit of the accused person. Where there is a reasonable construction that…

A confession must be direct, positive, and unequivocal. A statement that amounts only to an implication in a crime or that is equivocal in nature cannot…

The law assists only those who are vigilant in pursuing their rights, not those who sleep upon them. A party who stands by and watches another…

Principle Statement: A final judgment rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction on the merits is conclusive as to the rights of the parties and their…

The important and essential ingredient of the offence is penetration. It is also settled that sexual interference is deemed complete upon proof of penetration of the…

If there is compelling evidence that the accused person committed the armed robbery, failure to tender the offensive weapon cannot therefore be basis of acquittal.

A defendant in an undefended suit proceedings must show in his affidavit in support of his Notice of Intention to defend the suit not only that…

It is now settled law that this court cannot hear an appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact unless leave of the court or the…

For a confessional statement to be relied upon to convict an accused person, it must admit the essential ingredients of the offence charged. Where the statement…

An acquittal can only be returned on consideration of the case on its merits. Where a trial has been declared a nullity because the trial court…

Unlike under English law, forgery under Nigerian law includes a document which tells a lie about itself. The definition under Section 399 of the Criminal Code…

Where an appellant's counsel himself argued a defence or issue in his brief, the appellate court cannot be said to have raised that issue suo motu…