Can a criminal case be settled out of court in Nigeria?

Asked by: Alanis Hintz  |  Last update: October 19, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (36 votes)

In present day Nigeria and in most parts of the world, almost every dispute can be settled out of court, apart from criminal charges and cases. Since criminal offences and punishment for offenders are created by law, it is illegal for an offender to be denied his due reward (punishment).

Can a complainant withdraw a criminal case in Nigeria?

There is no time to withdraw a complaint except in cases of crimes of private prosecution. In these cases, the competent court sends a communication to the complainant for the purpose of ratification. This usually takes about 2 months. If this is not done, the proceedings are stopped.

How do I withdraw a court case in Nigeria?

(5) Where all parties to an action consent, the action may be withdrawn without leave of the Court at anytime before trial by producing to the Registrar a written consent to the action being withdrawn, signed by all the parties and the action shall then be struck out.

What are the criminal cases in Nigeria?

10 criminal court cases that shook Nigeria in 2022
  • Death of Dowen College pupil, Sylvester Oromoni. ...
  • Deborah Samuel's death. ...
  • Court sentences Baba Ijesha to 16 years for sexual assault. ...
  • Nnamdi Kanu. ...
  • Sunday Igboho Saga. ...
  • Ahmed Idris ordeals. ...
  • Abba Kyari charged with drug trafficking. ...
  • Hushpuppi's Dilemma.

What is criminal litigation process in Nigeria?

Criminal litigation encompasses the whole gamut of the law and procedure ranging from the moment when a criminal complaint is laid before a police officer or any law enforcement agent and continues through arrest, arraignment, trial, conviction and sentence of the person of who is guilty of the crime.

Can A Criminal Case Be Settled?

36 related questions found

What is the difference between civil and criminal proceedings in Nigeria?

Civil law deals with acts related to individuals to which harm caused can be repaid by compensation or monetary relief. Criminal law deals with a crime that causes damage to a person which is an offence against society as well.

What is out of court settlement law in Nigeria?

Settlement out of court is a process by which litigants resolve their disputes amicably without the involvement of a court judge. The courts in Nigeria encourage out-of-court settlement because it is cost-effective and saves time.

What is the standard of proof in criminal cases in Nigeria?

In criminal cases the law places the burden of proof on the prosecution. The standard of such proof is proof beyond reasonable doubt, in order to establish that an accused person had really committed the offence or the wrongful act. See the case of Ani v State (2000) 6 SCNJ 98 at 107.”

Who prosecutes a criminal case in Nigeria?

The Attorney General and the Law Officers

Constitutionally, it is the function of the Attorney General to undertake criminal prosecutions.

Who has the power to prosecute a criminal in Nigeria?

Nigeria and the Criminal Procedure Code in the North1 vest the power to institute or commence criminal proceedings against any person or authority on the following: (i) The Attorney-General of the Federation and States2; (ii) The Police3; (iii) Private persons4; (iv) Special Prosecutors5. Capital Territory, Abuja.

What is the effect of striking out a case in Nigeria?

The effect of a striking out of a case by a Court is that the Claimant has a right to bring the same matter before the same Court or a Court of co-ordinate jurisdiction. However, the effect of a dismissal is that the Court has conclusively decided the case by delivering judgment.

What happens if a defendant does not appear in court in Nigeria?

If you do not respond within the stated period, the claimant/plaintiff may apply to the court to get a default judgment against you. A default judgment is a judgment entered by the court in the absence of a defence by the defendant.

Can you sue a judge in Nigeria?

63. (1) No Judge or other person acting judicially shall be liable to be sued in any court for any act done or ordered to be done by him in the discharge of his judicial duty, whether or not within the limits of his jurisdiction.

Can I defend myself in court without a lawyer in Nigeria?

A person with a cause of action can represent himself in any action brought by them and can also defend himself in person before any court.

Can a private person prosecute a criminal case in Nigeria?

Private Nigerian citizens can prosecute crimes without the authorization of the AG. According to S. 211 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, it is the Attorney General of the state who has the power to institute and prosecute crimes in the state.

What is criminal misrepresentation in Nigeria?

Misrepresentation is covered by both common law and equity. At common law, a person who is induced to enter a contract through a fraudulent or negligent misstatement is entitled to sue for damages, while the remedy for misrepresentation at equity is rescission of the contract without damages.

Can police prosecute in Nigeria?

The power of the Nigeria Police to prosecute criminal cases in Nigerian Courts is derived from the Police Act which is a law enacted by the National Assembly. And the Nigeria Police power to prosecute as provided under the Police Act has been judicially endorsed by the Nigerian Supreme Court.

What is the power of police to investigate crime in Nigeria?

In the words of the learned honorable Justice Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court, he opined: “By all odds, the police has the statutory power to investigate, arrest, interrogate, search and detain any suspect.

Who calls cases in court in Nigeria?

The registrar calls the case; • The Judge requests the lawyer of the plaintiff to identify himself/ herself; • The plaintiff opens his/her case first. He/she and his/her witness(es) (if any) will give evidence.

What is admissible evidence in Nigeria?

Admissibility is provided for by the Evidence Act, 2011. It is settled law that before a document can be admitted in court as evidence, it must be admissible. Thus, once a document is properly pleaded and tendered, it is to be admitted as evidence in court once deemed admissible by the Court.

What is the burden of proof in a criminal case?

The criminal burden of proof for the prosecution is beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal burden of proof for the defense is generally preponderance of evidence. States vary on whether they require the criminal defendant to meet both the burden of production and persuasion or just the burden of production.

Who does the burden of proof fall on in a criminal case?

THE PROSECUTION IN A CRIMINAL CASE BEARS THE BURDEN OF PROVING TO THE JURY BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT ALL OF THE ELEMENTS NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH THE GUILT OF THE DEFENDANT.

How do I make an out of court settlement?

If you're trying to settle out of court, you need to make the best use of everyone's common sense. If you're trying to negotiate a settlement, it's a process of negotiation. It's a give-and-take scenario. If you want the other party to give something to you, appeal to their sense of fairness with a trade.

What is the advantage to out of court settlements?

If you settle the case out-of-court, you can usually recover damages faster, instead of waiting for months or years if you go before the court. This way, you can avoid having additional expenses due up to the final day in court.

How do I start an out of court settlement?

You have three general paths to take to avoid the court room.
  1. Face-to-face Negotiation. First, you should try a good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation with your adversary. ...
  2. Mediation. If you've tried your own negotiation and gotten nowhere, then you might consider mediation. ...
  3. Arbitration. ...
  4. Looking for an Attorney.