The Defence of Accident in Nigerian Criminal Law

in 200 Level, Case Analysis, Class Notes, Constitutional Cases, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Criminal Law, Educational Articles, Human Rights Law, Landmark Judgments

Sometimes harm happens without anyone meaning it. A hunter shoots at an animal but hits another hunter. A friendly push leads to a fatal fall. Criminal law must separate deliberate criminals from unlucky people. Section 24 of the Criminal Code provides the defence of accident. This article explains Section 24, the difference between "unwilled acts" and "accidental events," and key cases like Timbu Kolian and Iromantu. Section 24: Two Types of Protection Section 24 is crucial for understanding criminal responsibility. It says: "Subject to the express provisions of this code relating to negligent acts and omissions, a person is not criminally responsible for an...

10 January

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FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF CHAPTER II OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION

Posted by Kolawole Adebowale

in 200 Level, Case Analysis, Class Notes, Constitutional Cases, Constitutional Law, Constitutional Law, Educational Articles, Landmark Judgments

One of the most significant innovations in Nigeria's constitutional development is the inclusion of Chapter II on Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. This chapter, spanning sections 13 to 24 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), represents a bold attempt at constitutionalizing socio-economic rights and setting out the guiding principles for governance in Nigeria.1 The chapter contains provisions on political, economic, social, educational, environmental, cultural objectives. Understanding these provisions requires familiarity with the broader sources of constitutional law in Nigeria, national ethics, and the duties of citizens. It essentially defines the relationship between...