LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Evidence — Contradictions — Materiality Required to Upset Judgment
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Not every contradiction will upset a trial court's judgment. For a contradiction to warrant interference, it must be of such magnitude that it warrants interference with the conclusion reached.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Mohammed, JSC, in Ejeka v. State (2003) NLC-2582001(SC) at p. 4; Paras B–C.
"It is well settled that not every contradiction will result in upsetting trial court's judgment. For a contradiction to upset a judgment, it must be of such magnitude as to warrant interference with the conclusion reached by the learned trial Judge."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Only material contradictions warrant appellate intervention. The principle applies to criminal trials. Minor inconsistencies are not fatal. The rule prevents acquittal on technicalities. The court must assess the significance of contradictions. The principle is well-established.