EXAMINATION OF THE ADMISSIBILITY OF CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE IN HOMICIDE CASES IN NIGERIA 2018-2023

ABSTRACT This research examines the admissibility of circumstantial evidence in homicide cases in Nigeria, with particular focus on judicial decisions between 2018 and 2023. Circumstantial evidence plays a significant role in criminal trials, especially in cases where direct evidence such as eyewitness testimony is unavailable. The study explores the legal principles governing the admissibility and evaluation of circumstantial evidence within the Nigerian legal framework, drawing from statutory provisions such as the Evidence Act 2011, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Using a doctrinal research methodology, the study analyzes relevant statutes, judicial authorities, and scholarly literature to determine the standards applied by Nigerian courts when relying on circumstantial evidence in homicide prosecutions. The research further examines institutional frameworks involved in criminal investigations and prosecutions, including the judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Office of the Public Prosecutor. In addition, selected case studies such as Aiwuyor v. State, Egbertamu v. State, Dajo v. State, and State v. Sunday are examined to demonstrate how courts interpret and apply circumstantial evidence in practice. The findings reveal that although circumstantial evidence can be sufficient to sustain a conviction, it must form a complete and unbroken chain of evidence that points irresistibly to the guilt of the accused while excluding every other reasonable hypothesis. However, challenges such as misinterpretation, judicial bias, overreliance on weak inferences, and difficulties in establishing a coherent evidentiary chain continue to affect its effective application. The study concludes that while circumstantial evidence remains an indispensable tool in homicide prosecutions, courts must exercise caution in its evaluation to prevent wrongful convictions. It therefore recommends clearer judicial guidelines, improved investigative procedures, and specialized training for judges and prosecutors to strengthen the reliability and fairness of relying on circumstantial evidence in homicide cases in Nigeria