Supreme Court Overturns Murder Conviction in Nigeria

On June 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, presided over by Justices Moham Lawal Garba, Adamu Jauro, Jummai Hannatu Sankei, Oband Festu Ogbuinya, and Abubakar Sadiq Umar, addressed the case SC 997/2016. The case involved an appeal from a murder conviction in Akwa Ibom State, where five individuals were initially found guilty and sentenced to death.

The appeal was lodged after the trial court's judgment was contested, primarily on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The appellate court found that the extra-judicial statements made by the first accused did not constitute a confession and were not sufficient to prove the murder charge against the respondents.

The Supreme Court emphasized the right of appellate courts to reevaluate documentary evidence and ultimately set aside the trial court's judgment, discharging and acquitting the respondents.