MAIDEN ELECTRONICS WORKS LTD. V. ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION
August 12, 2025NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION V. DR. BABATUNDE ODEMUYIWA
August 12, 2025Legalpedia Citation: (1974-01) Legalpedia (SC) 89191
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Fri Jan 25, 1974
Suit Number: SC. 10/1973
CORAM
TASLIM O. ELIAS, JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT
GEORGE S. SOWEMIMO, JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT
DANIEL O. IBEKWE, JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT
PARTIES
ALFRED ONYEMENA LAWRENCE OKUMAH
APPELLANTS
THE STATE
RESPONDENTS
AREA(S) OF LAW
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE -JURY TRIAL -IDENTIFICATION PARADE /EVIDENCE
SUMMARY OF FACTS
The trial judge warned the jury that the evidence presented against the appellants was inconsistent and contradictory and that they were not properly identified but they were nevertheless convicted for murder by the jury.
HELD
The court held that the verdict of the jury was perverse and advocated the abolishment of jury trial in Lagos.
ISSUES
Whether the appellants were rightly convicted for murder by the jury in the circumstances of this case.
RATIONES DECIDENDI
JURY TRIAL
Trial by jury has been imposed upon Lagos society. It has not kept pace with developments. The result has been that, in many cases, verdicts have often been given more as a matter of sentiment than of reasoned consideration that should form part of the verdict. Per Sowemimo J.S.C
CASES CITED
Not Available
STATUTES REFERRED TO
Not Available
