Just Decided Cases

NWIBO NKWUDU OVUJI VS THE STATE

Legalpedia Citation: (1972) Legalpedia (SC) 61711

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

HOLDEN AT LAGOS

Thu Jan 13, 1972

Suit Number: SC 294/71

CORAM


MAIIMUDE MOHAMMED, JUSTICE SUPREME COURT

UDOMA

SOWEMIMO


PARTIES


NWIBO NKWUDU OVUJI APPELLANTS


THE STATE RESPONDENTS


AREA(S) OF LAW



SUMMARY OF FACTS

The fact of the case was that, on the night of 27th of November, 1970, one Adaka Imafu (later deceased) was in the apartment of his wife, Nkwoagu Adaka (P.W.2) where he had gone to pass the night. The appellant later that night went to Nkwoagu Adaka’s apartment and knocked at her door. On opening the door, the appellant struck the deceased with a matchet on the front part of the head, and he fell down. The appellant ran away.


HELD


APPEAL DISMISSED.


ISSUES


None.


RATIONES DECIDENDI


CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE DEFENCE OF ACCIDENT CANNOT AVAIL AN ACCUSED IN A MURDER CASE


“The doctor’s finding, it seems to me, would be otherwise, if the matchet (Exh. ‘B’) struck the deceased accidentally when pulled by the accused towards himself. The doctor’s evidence appears to me to prove an injury occasioned by a blow carefully and purposely aimed at the deceased and inflicted with considerable force. I hold, that the defence of accident does not avail the accused”


CASES CITED


None.


STATUTES REFERRED TO


None.|


CLICK HERE TO READ FULL JUDGMENT

Esther ORIAH

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