LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Defences — Insanity — Abnormal Behaviour Distinguished from Insanity
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Evidence that the behaviour of the appellant was abnormal is of no moment because abnormal behaviour is not evidence of insanity.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Edozie, JSC, in Guobadia v. State (2004) NLC-2952002(SC) at p. 10; Paras A–B.
"The evidence by the investigating police officer (PW.6) that the behaviour of the appellant was abnormal is of no moment because abnormal behaviour is not evidence of insanity: see Lamidi Salami v. The State (1984) 6 SC 357."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Abnormal behaviour alone does not prove insanity. The principle applies to criminal law. The defence must adduce medical or expert evidence. The rule prevents confusion between mental illness and unusual conduct. The court will require proper proof of insanity. The principle is well-established.