SUNDAY PIARO V. CHIEF WOPNU TENALO & ANOR
August 6, 2025OGBEIDE AIKHIONBARE OHEN-ERIARIA OF EVBORIARA V. UYIEKPEN OMOREGIE ENOGIE
August 6, 2025Legalpedia Citation: (1976) Legalpedia (SC) 13116
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria
Fri Dec 10, 1976
Suit Number: SC. 144/1975
CORAM
GEORGE S. SOWEMIMO, JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT
OLABODE RHODES-VIVOUR
MUHAMMADU L. UWAIS, JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT
PARTIES
JAMES OBI ACHABUA APPELLANTS
RESPONDENTS
AREA(S) OF LAW
SUMMARY OF FACTS
The appellant was informed that the deceased, who was his servant, has disappeared with his money at home. He sought for the deceased and recovered part of the money stolen. The appellant took the deceased home in the night and the body of the deceased was found buried in the bush the following morning
HELD
The court held that the appellant is guilty of murder.
ISSUES
Whether or not the court can convict of murder in the absence of an eye witness
RATIONES DECIDENDI
IMPORTANCE OF CONFESSIONAL STATEMENT
It is settled law that confession alone is sufficient to support conviction without corroboration so long as the Court is satisfied of the truth of the confession. Per OBASEKI, Ag. J.S.C
CASES CITED
R. v Sykes 8 Cr App R 223 R v. Kanu 14 W.A.C.A. 30 Edet Obosi v. The State (1965)
N.M.L.R. 119 Paul Onochie AND 7 others v The Republic 1966 N.M.L.R. 307 and Jimoh
Yesutu v The State (1975) 6 SC. 167)
STATUTES REFERRED TO
None
