An Analysis of the Significance of Circumstantial Evidence in Criminal Trials in Nigeria

Abstract

Ibeosu Raymond Osu

Circumstantial Evidence has been aptly explained to mean a number of circumstances, which are connected to create an unbroken chain of events which are used to establish the liability or otherwise in civil cases and the guilt or innocence in criminal cases. This paper seeks to coin and understand of the root of judicial evidence and its classification with specific reference being made to Direct and Circumstantial evidence thereafter drawing a distinction between them. This paper further makes an analysis on the extent of effectiveness or applicability of this concept when it comes down to exclusively securing conviction. It would look then at the stance taken by Nigerian courts and similar commonwealth countries to the use of Circumstantial evidence in criminal cases specifically murder cases. Lastly, after the determination of this fact, it will then be analyzed whether Circumstantial Evidence has indeed influenced Nigerian Criminal Justice System in a positive rather than negative way.

PDF