LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Trial Procedure — Prima Facie Case — Definition
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A prima facie case means there is a ground for proceeding. It is not the same as proof, which comes later when the court has to find whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Grose, J. (as cited), in Ajiboye & Anor v. The State (1995) NLC-2041994(SC) at p. 5; Paras. F–G.
"What is meant by a prima facie (case)? It only means that there is a ground for proceeding... But a prima facie case is not the same thing as proof which comes later when the court has to find whether the accused is guilty or not guilty."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
A prima facie case is a threshold test, not proof of guilt. It requires that there is evidence on which a reasonable tribunal could convict if believed. The standard is low; it does not require proof beyond reasonable doubt. The principle applies to no-case submissions. The court assumes the prosecution’s evidence is true at this stage. The rule protects the accused from being called to answer where there is no evidence. The distinction between prima facie case and proof is fundamental to criminal procedure.