C41

CRIMINALPROCEDUREACT
ARRANGEMENTOFSECTIONS
[Theoriginalnumberingofsectionshasbeenretainedinordernottodisturbthecrossreferencesto
thosesectionsinotherenactmentswhicharemanyandwillbefoundthroughoutthewholeEdition.]
CHAPTER1
Preliminary,arrests,bailandpreventivejustice
PART1
Preliminary
SECTION
1.Shorttitle
2.Interpretation
PART2
Arrest
Generally
3.Arrest,howmade.
4.Nounnecessaryrestraint.
5.Notificationofcauseofarrest.
6.Searchofarrestedpersons.
7.Searchofplaceenteredbypersonsoughttobearrested.
8.Powertobreakoutofanyhouseforpurposeofliberation.
9.Arrestedpersonstobetakenatoncetopolicestation.
Arrestwithoutwarrantandprocedurethereon
10.Arrestbypoliceofficerwithoutwarrant.
11.Refusaltogivenameandresidence.
12.Arrestbyprivatepersons.
13.Arrestbyownersofproperty.
14.Disposalofpersonarrestedbyprivateperson.
15.Offencecommittedinpresenceofjudgeormagistrate.
16.Arrestbymagistrate.
Bailonarrestwithoutwarrant
17.Releaseonbailofapersonarrestedwithoutwarrant.
18.Powertoreleaseonbailbeforechargeisaccepted.
19.Dischargeofpersonforwantofevidence.
20.Policetoreportapprehensions.
Warrantsofarrest
Generalauthoritytoissue
21.Generalauthoritytoissuewarrant.
Warrants,ingeneral
22.Formandrequisitesofwarrantofarrest.
23.Warrantissuedoncomplaintonlyifonoath.
24.Warrantmayissueonanyday.
25.Warrants,towhomdirected,andduration.
26.Omittedasinapplicableasitrelatestowarrantsdirectedtolocalgovernmentpoliceforcewhich
havebeenabolished.
27.Warrantofarrestmayinexceptionalcasesbedirectedtootherpersons.
Executionof,ingeneral
28.Executionofwarrantandprocedurethereon.
29.Powertoarrestonwarrantbutwithoutthewarrant.
Bailbyorderofcourtonexecutionofwarrantofarrest
30.Courtmaydirectparticularsofsecuritytobetakenonexecutionofwarrant.
Executionofwarrantoutofdivisionordistrictinwhichissued
31.Procedureonarrestofpersonsoutsidedivisionordistrictofcourtissuingwarrant.
PART3
Escapeandretaking
32.Recaptureofpersonescaping.
33.Provisionsofsections7and8toapplytoarrestsundersection32.
34.Assistancetojudge,magistrateorpoliceofficer.
PART4
Preventionofoffences
Securityforkeepingthepeaceandforgoodbehaviour
35.Powerofmagistratetorequireexecutionofrecognisanceforkeepingthepeace.
36.Securityforgoodbehaviourforsuspectedpersons.
37.Securityforgoodbehaviourforhabitualoffenders.
38.Ordertobemade.
39.Procedureinrespectofpersonpresentincourt.
40.Summonsorwarrantincaseofpersonnotsopresent.
41.Copyoforderundersection38toaccompanysummonsorwarrant.
42.Powertodispensewithpersonalattendance.
43.Inquiryastotruthofinformation.
44.Ordertogivesecurity.
45.Dischargeofpersoninformedagainst.
Proceedingsinallcasessubsequenttoordertofurnishsecurity
46.Commencementofperiodforwhichsecurityisrequired.
47.Conditionsofrecognisance.
48.Powertorejectsureties.
49.Procedureonfailureofpersontogivesecurity.
50.Powertoreleasepersonsimprisonedforfailuretogivesecurity.
51.PowerofHighCourttocancelrecognisance.
52.Dischargeofsureties.
PART5
Preventiveactionofthepolice
53.Policetopreventoffencesandpreventinjurytopublicproperty.
54.Informationofdesigntocommitsuchoffences.
55.Arresttopreventsuchoffences.
CHAPTER2
Provisionsrelatingingeneraltoallcriminaltrialsandinquiries
PART6
Applicationandgeneral
56.ApplicationofChapter2.
57.Generalauthoritytobringpersonsbeforecourts.
PART7
58.Deletedby1967No.5.
PART8
Thecomplainant,formofcomplaintandtimewithinwhichthecomplaintmustbemade
59.Rightofmakingcomplaint.
60.Formandrequisitesofcomplaint.
61.Formofdocumentsincriminalproceedings.
62.Ruleastostatementofexception.
63.Limitationofperiodformakingaprivatecomplaint.
PART9
Placeoftrialorinquiry
Venue
64.Venue.
64A.OffencesagainstFederallaws.
65.Judgetodecideincaseofdoubtofvenue.
66.ChiefJudgemaychangevenuebyorder.
Remittingmagistrates
67.Accusedpersontoberemittedincertaincasestoanothermagistrate.
68.Removalunderwarrant.
69.Transferofcasewherecauseofcomplainthasarisenoutofdistrictofcourt.
Assumptionofjurisdiction
70.Courtmayassumejurisdictionundercertainconditions.
71.Assumptionofjurisdictionaftercommencementofproceedings.
PART10
Stateprocedure
PowersoftheAttorneyGeneral
72.InformationsbytheAttorneyGeneral.
ControlofStateincriminalproceedings
73.Nolleprosequiincriminalcases.
74.Nolleprosequiincommittalcases.
75.Withdrawalsfromprosecutionintrialsandinquiriesbeforeamagistrate'scourt.
76.DeletedbyL.N65of1958.
76A.InsertedbyL.N47of1955anddeletedbyL.N65of1958.

PART11
Proceedingsingeneral
Institutionofproceedings
77.Differentmethodsofinstitutingcriminalproceedings.
78.Particularsofinstitutingcriminalproceedingsinmagistrates'courts.
79.Compellingappearanceofanaccusedperson.
80.Summonsandwarrant.
81.Makingofcomplaintandissueofprocessthereon.
82.Issueandserviceonanyday.
Enforcingappearanceofdefendant
Issueofsummons
83.Issueofsummonsandcontentsthereof.
84.Hearingbyconsentbeforereturndateofsummons.
85.Summonswithimmediatereturndateinspecialcircumstances.
86.Discretioninexparteapplications.
Formandserviceofsummons
87.Summonstobeinduplicate.
88.Serviceofsummons.
89.Normalmethodsofeffectingservice.
90.Servicewherepersonsummonedcannotbefound.
91.ServiceonGovernmentservant.
92.Serviceoutsidelocaldivisionordistrict.
93.Proofofservicewhenservingofficernotpresent.
94.Receiptofserviceofsummons.
95.Personrefusingtogivereceiptmaybeapprehended.
Warrantissuedifsummonsdisobeyed
96.Summonsdisobeyed,warrantmayissue.
Issueofwarrantofarrestoncomplaintonoath
97.Issueofwarrantfordefendantinthefirstinstance.
98.Applicationofsections22to31tosuchwarrant.
99.Warrantmayissuebeforeorafterreturndateofsummons.
Dispensingwithpresenceofaccused
100.Powertodispensewithpersonalattendanceofaccusedincertaincases.
PART12
Miscellaneousprovisionsregardingprocess
Irregularities
101.Irregularityinsummons,warrant,serviceorarrest.
102.Variationbetweenchargeandcomplaint.
103.Processvalidnotwithstandingdeathorvacationofofficeofpersonissuing.
Savingofvalidityofprocess
104.Validityofprocess.
105.Generaladdresseeofprocessforissueandexecution.
106.Certainprovisionsapplicabletoallsummonsesandwarrantsincriminalmatters.
PART13
Searchwarrant
Issueandexecution
107.Casesinwhichsearchwarrantsmaybeissued.
108.Dischargeofsuspectedperson.
109.Searchwarranttobesignedbymagistrate.
110.Searchwarranttowhomdirected.
111.Timewhensearchwarrantmaybeissuedandexecuted.
112.Personinchargeofclosedplacetoallowingress.
Detentionanddisposalofarticlesseized
113.Detentionofarticlesseized.
114.Perishablearticlesmaybedisposedofbycourt.
115.Searchforanddisposalofgunpowder.
116.Destructionofforgedbanknotes.
117.Disposalofcounterfeitcoinandcertainotherthings.
117A.TransmissiontocourtofotherState.
Disposalofcertainexhibits
117B.Controlledsubstances.
117C.Disposalofcertainexhibitswherenoconviction.
117D.Transitionalprovisions,etc.
PART14
Provisionsastobailandrecognisancesgenerally
118.WhenbailmaybegrantedbyHighCourtonly.
119.Bailinrespectofmattersotherthanoffences.
120.Amountofbail.
121.Recognisanceinrespectofminors.
122.Sureties.
123.Admissiontobailafteritsrefusal.
124.Noticeofrighttoapplyforbail.
125.Judgemayvarybailfixedbymagistrateorpolice.
126.Beforewhomrecognisancemaybeexecuted.
127.Modeofenteringintorecognisance.
128.Continuousbail.
129.Dischargefromcustody.
130.Personboundbyrecognisanceabscondingmaybecommittedtoprison.
131.Reconsiderationofamountofbailonapplicationbylawofficerorpolice.
132.Powertorevokeorrequirehigherbail.
133.Variationofarecognisanceifsuretyunsuitable.
134.Dischargeofsuretiesforappearanceofanother.
135.Orderoffreshsecurityuponoriginalorder.
136.Suretydying,estatedischarged.
137.Forfeitureofrecognisance.
138.Mitigationofforfeiture.
139.Forfeitureonconviction.
140.Whererecognisanceforfeitedwarrantmayissue.
141.Paymentonrecognisance.
142.Appeal.
143.Arrestonbreachofrecognisanceforappearance.
PART15
Bringingbeforecourtofpersonincustody
144.Powerofcourttoorderprisonertobebroughtbeforeit.
PART16
Formsinrespectofsummonses,warrants,recognisancesandothersimilarprocess
145.UseofformsinFirstSchedule.
PART17
Provisionsrelatingtopropertyandpersons
Ownershipofproperty
146.Methodsofstatingownershipofproperty.
Descriptionofpersons
147.Descriptionofpersonsincriminalprocess.
Rightsofmarriedwomeninrespectofseparateestate
148.Remediesofmarriedwomanagainstherhusbandandothersinrespectofproperty.
149.Husbandandwifecompetentwitnesses.
PART18
Thecharge
Formof,andjoinderofoffencesandpersons
150.FormofchargesinSecondScheduletobeusedandadapted.
151.Formofcharge.
152.Particularsincharge.
153.Senseofwordsusedincharge.
154.Ownershipordescriptionofproperty.
155.Whenpersonsmaybechargedjointly.
156.Separatechargesfordistinctoffences.
157.Threeoffenceswithintwelvemonthsmaybechargedtogether.
158.Trialformorethanoneoffence.
159.Offencesfallingwithintwodefinitions.
160.Actsconstitutingoneoffencebutconstitutingwhencombinedadifferentoffence.
161.Whereitisdoubtfulwhichoffencehasbeencommitted.
Variationofcharge
162.Procedureonimperfectcharge.
163.Courtmayaltercharge.
164.Procedureonalterationofcharge.
165.Recallofwitnesseswhenchargealtered.
166.Effectoferror.
167.Objectiontochargetobetakenatplea.
168.Objectionscuredbyverdict.
Convictionsofoneofseveraloffencesandofoffencesnotspecificallycharged
169.Fulloffencechargedattemptproved.
170.Attemptchargedfulloffenceproved.
171.Liabilityastofurtherprosecution.
171A.Onchargeofanoffenceconvictionasaccessoryafterthefacttothatorconnectedoffencemay
follow.
172.Persontriedformisdemeanournottobeacquittediffelonyproved,unlesscourtsodirect.
173.Convictionofkindredoffencesrelatingtoproperty.
174.Personschargedwithburglarymaybeconvictedofkindredoffence.
175.Onchargeofrapeconvictionundersection221ofCap.C38orofindecentassaultmayfollow.
176.Onchargeundersection221ofCap.C38convictionofindecentassaultmayfollow.
177.Wheremurderorinfanticideischargedandconcealmentofbirthisproved.
178.Wheremurderischargedandinfanticideproved.
179.Whereoffenceprovedisincludedinoffencecharged.
Withdrawalofremainingcharges
180.Withdrawalofremainingchargesonconvictionononeofseveralcharges.
PART19
Previousacquittalsorconvictions
180A.Interpretation.
181.Personconvictedoracquittednottobetriedagainforsameorkindredoffence.
182.Maybetriedagainonseparatechargeincertaincases.
183.Consequencessuperveningornotknownatprevioustrial.
184.Wherecourtatfirsttrialwasnotcompetent.
PART20
Witnesses
Enforcingattendanceofwitnesses
186.Issueofsummonsforwitness.
187.Serviceofsummonsonwitness.
188.Warrantforwitnessaftersummons.
189.Issueofwarrantforwitnessinfirstinstance.
190.Modeofdealingwithwitnessarrestedunderwarrant.
191.Penaltyonwitnessesrefusingtoattend.
192.Nonattendanceofwitnessonadjournedhearing.
193.Personsincourtmayberequiredtogiveevidencethoughnotsummoned.
Refractorywitnesses
194.Witnessrefusingtobesworn,orproducedocuments.
Expensesofwitnesses
195.Expensesofwitnessesfortheprosecution.
196.Expensesofwitnessesforaccused.
197.Adjournmentmaybegrantedsubjecttowitnesses'costs.
198.Ascertainmentofwitnesses'expenses.
Examinationofwitnesses
199.ApplicationoftheEvidenceAct.
200.Powertocallorrecallwitnesses.
201.CertificatesofcertainGovernmenttechnicalofficers.
202.Rightofreply.
PART21
Publicityandview
203.Publictohaveaccesstohearing.
204.Courtmaybeclearedwhilstchildoryoungpersonisgivingevidenceincertaincases.
205.Orderundersection203or204nottoapplytopressandcertainothers.
206.Prohibitiononchildrenbeingpresentincourtduringthetrialofotherpersons.
207.Viewbycourtoflocus.
PART22
Determinationofage
208.Presumptionanddeterminationofage.
209.Ageinrelationtooffences.
PART23
Presenceofpartiesandconductoftrials
210.Presenceofaccusedattrial.
211.Counselforcomplainantandfordefendant.
213.GeneralcontrolofprosecutionbytheAttorneyGeneral.
214.Positionincourtofpersonsummoned.
PART24
Recordingofplea
215.Pleadingtoinformationorcharge.
216.Proceedingonchargeorcountofpreviousconviction.
217.Effectofpleaofnotguilty.
218.Effectofpleaofguilty.
219.Pleawhenoffenceadmittedisincludedinoffencecharged.
220.Failuretopleadduetomaliceorotherwise.
221.Pleas:autrefoisacquitorconvict,pardon.
PART25
Personsofunsoundmind
222.Interpretation.
223.Procedurewhenaccusedissuspectedtobeofunsoundmind.
224.Certificateofmedicalofficer.
225.Releaseofpersonofunsoundmindpendinginvestigationortrial.
226.Resumptionofinquiryortrial.
227.Resumptionofproceedingsundersection223.
228.Whenaccusedappearstohavebeenofunsoundmind.
229.Acquittalongroundofinsanity(includinginsanityresultingfromintoxication).
230.Safecustodyofpersonacquitted.
231.Observationofprisonersofunsoundmind.
232.Procedurewhenpersonofunsoundmindreportedabletomakedefence.
233.Procedurewherepersonofunsoundmindreportedfitfordischarge.
234.Transferfromoneplaceofcustodytoanother.
235.Deliveryofpersonofunsoundmindtocareofrelative.
235A.RemovaltoanotherState.
PART26
Remand
236.Courtmayremanddefendantforeightdays.
237.Courtmaybringupprisonerduringremand.
238.Magistratemayadjournwhereaccusedcannotappear.
Placeofcommitment
239.Placeofcommitment.
PART27
Addresses
Openingofcasefortheprosecution
240.Openingofcasefortheprosecution.
Defenceandreply
241.Incertaincasesprosecutionhasnorightofreply.
242.Casesinwhichprosecutionmayreply.
243.Replybylawofficer.
PART27A
ProcedurewhereconstitutionalquestionsarereferredtoHigherCourt
243A.ReferencetoCourtofAppeal.
PART28
Conclusionoftrial
244.Deliberationbycourt.
245.Judgmenttobeinwriting.
246.Accusedtobedischargediffoundnotguilty.
247.Accusedtobeaskedwhetherhehasanythingtosaybeforesentence.
248.Sentence.
249.Convictiononotherchargespending.
250.Securityforcomingupforjudgment.
251.Deliveryofjudgmentwhenjudgeormagistrateunavoidablyabsent.
Warrantofcommitment
252.Directimprisonment.
253.Authorityforcarryingoutsentencesnotcapital.
Defectsinorderorwarrant
254.Errororomissionnottoaffectlegalityofact.
PART29
Costs,compensationanddamages
255.Costsagainstaccused;againstprivateprosecutor.
256.Compensationincaseoffalseandvexatiouscharge.
257.Enforcementofawardofcompensation.
258.Savingofexpressprocedureforawardingcostsandcompensation.
259.Ordertopaycostsappealable.
260.Injuredpersonmayrefusetoacceptcompensation;butpaymentofcompensationisbartofurther
liability.
Damagesincasesofdishonesty
261.Wrongfulconversionordetentionofproperty.
262.Damagesrecoverableaspenalty.
PART30
Seizure,restitution,forfeitureanddispositionofproperty
263.Orderfordisposalofpropertyregardingwhichoffencecommitted.
263A.Meaningof"property"inthisPart.
264.Seizureofthingsintendedtobeusedincommissionofoffence.
265.Destructionofseditious,prohibitedorobscenepublicationsandofobsceneobjects.
266.Searchwarrantmaybeusedtosearchforthingssubjecttosections264and265.
267.Restorationofpossessionofimmovableproperty.
268.Paymenttoinnocentpersonofmoneyfoundonaccused.
269.Restitutionanddispositionofpropertyfoundonpersonarrested.
270.Restitutionofpropertystolen.
271.Destructionofarticlesrelatingtocounterfeitingwherechargeislaid.
272.Destructionofarticlesrelatingtocounterfeitingwherenochargeislaid.
272A.Detentionanddestructionofcounterfeitnotes,etc.
273.Modeofdealingwithforfeiturenotpecuniary.
PART31
Summaryprocedureinperjury
274.Perjury,Summaryprocedure.
CHAPTER3
PART32
Trialsgenerally
275.Trials.
276.SummarytrialinHighCourt,limitation.
CHAPTER4
PART33
Summarytrial
Application
277.Summarytrials.
278.ApplicationofPartsofthisActtoprocessesunderthisChapter.
Hearingofcomplaint
279.Timeandplaceofhearing.
280.Nonappearanceofprosecutor.
281.Nonappearanceofdefendant.
282.Nonappearanceofbothparties.
283.Appearanceofbothparties.
284.Withdrawalofcomplaint.
285.Mannerofhearing.
286.Dischargeofaccusedwhennocasetoanswer.
287.Defence.
288.Savingastosection287(1)(a).
289.Evidenceinreply.
290.Powertotakeevidenceofpersonsdangerouslyill.
291.Noticestobegiventoparties.
292.Transmissionofstatement.
293.Whenstatementmaybeusedinevidence.
294.Notesofevidencetobetaken.
295.Localinspection.
296.Crosscomplaints.
297.Joinderofcomplaints.
298.Procedurewhereoffenceappearsunsuitablefordeterminationbycourtoflimitedjurisdiction.
Makingoforder
299.Givingofdecisionuponconclusionofhearing.
Bindingover
300.Powertobindpartiestobeofgoodbehaviour.
Dismissalandacquittal
301.Effectofjudgmentofdismissal"onmerits","notonmerits"and"withoutprejudice".
PART34
Summarytrialbymagistrateofchildoryoungpersonchargedwithanindictableoffence
302.Summarytrialofchildbymagistrateforindictableoffence.
303.Whipping.InaccordancewithPart42.
PART35
Summarytrialbymagistrateofadultchargedwithanindictableoffence
304.Summarytrialbymagistrateofindictablecases.
305.Powertoremandpersoncharged.
306.Lawofficermayrequirecasetobeadjournedordealtwithspecially.
307.Adjournmentforlawofficer'sdecision.
308.Generalprovisionsastodealingsummarilywithindictableoffence.
309.Securityforkeepingthepeace,inindictablecasestriedsummarily.
CHAPTER5
PART36
Preliminaryinquirybyamagistrateintoanindictableoffence
Placeofinquirynotanopencourt
310.Preliminaryinquirynotanopencourt.
Localinspectionandmedicalexamination
311.Makingoflocalinspectionandexaminationofinjuredperson.
312.Provisionsapplicabletothetakingofevidenceinanindictablecase.
313.Bindingoverofwitnessesforprosecution.
314.Provisionsastotakingofdepositionsandcautiontoandstatementofaccusedonproceedings
beforemagistrate.
315.Procedurewherewitnessesfordefencenotpresent.
316.Bindingoverofwitnessesfordefence.
317.Statementgenerallyadmissible.
318.Courtmaytakefurtherevidenceaftercloseofcaseforprosecution.
319.Depositionofwitnessunabletoattend.
320.Amagistratemaycontinueapreliminaryinquirybegunbyanothermagistrate.
321.Markingofexhibits.
322.Magistratetoauthenticatedepositionsandstatementoftheaccused.
323.Magistrateshallconsiderdefencebeforecommitting.
324.Whereevidencecontradictory.
Dischargeandcommittalfortrial
325.Discharge.
326.Commitment.
327.Allegationatpreliminaryinquirythataccusedwasinsaneattimeofoffence.
328.Procedurewhenaccuseddoesnotunderstandproceedings.
Conditionalbindingoverofwitnesses
329.Bindingoverofwitnessesconditionally.
Transmissionofdepositions,recognisancesandexhibits
330.ReturnstobemadetoCourtandLawOfficer,orDirectorofPublicProsecutionsoraStateCounsel.
331.Depositionsfreeofchargeforpersonscommitted.
Adjudicationbymagistrateinsteadofcommittalfortrial
332.Whencourtmayadjudicatefinally.
ControloftheStateinproceedingsinwhichanaccusedhasbeencommittedfortrial
333.LawOfficerorStateCounselmayreferbackcaseforfurtherevidence.
CHAPTER6
ProceedingsafteranaccusedhasbeencommittedbyamagistratetotheHighCourtfortrial
PART37
334.Trialoninformation.
335.Certaincasestobetriedbyjury.
336.Judgetodecideincertaincases.
Information
337.Formofinformation.
338.Contentsofinformation.
339.Applicationofsections151to180toinformations.
Proceedingspreliminarytotrial
340.Procedureoninformationofoffenders.
341.SigningofinformationonbehalfofState.
342.Informationbyprivateperson.
343.Conditionsforprivateprosecutors.
Venue
344.Venue.
345.Changeofvenue.
346.Effectofchangeofvenue.
Noticeoftrial
347.Formofnoticeoftrial.
348.Copyofinformationandnoticeoftrialtobedeliveredtosheriff.
349.Timeandmodeofsummoningpartiesoninformation.
350.Returnofservice.
Proceedingsattrialandsubsequentproceedings
351.Benchwarrantwhereaccusedpersondoesnotappear.
352.CounselforStateanddefenceincapitalcases.
353.Arraignment.
Timeforraisingcertainobjections.
Attendanceofwitnesses
354.Attendanceofwitnessboundbyrecognisancetoattend.
355.Warrantforapprehensionofwitnessnotattendingonrecognisance.
356.Warrantforapprehensionofwitnessdisobeyingsummons.
357.Finefornonattendanceofwitness.
358.Writsofsubpoena.
359.Serviceofsubpoena.
Miscellaneousprovisions
360.ApplicationofPart20totrialsunderthisPart.
361.ApplicationofActtotrialsunderthisPart.
362.Recordingofjudgmentandsentence.
363.TrialsaccordingtopracticeofHighCourtofJustice.
PART38
Summarytrialaftercommittal
364.Summarytrialaftercommittalwherenoinformationfiled.
365.ProcedureattrialunderthisPart.
CHAPTER7
Provisionsrelatingtosentencesofdeath,imprisonment,caningandfine
PART39
General
366.Constructionofprovisionsrelatingtopunishments.
PART40
Capitalsentences
367.Death.
368.Priorformalitiesgenerally.
369.Authorityfordetention.
370.JudgetoreporttoGovernor.
371A.ProcedurewherepowerofpardonvestedinPresident.
371B.Judge'scertificateofsentenceofdeathtobesufficientandfullauthorityforexecutionof
offender,unlessheispardonedorreprieved.
371C.Stepstobetakenbytheregistrar.
371D.JudgetoforwardreporttoMinister.
371E.StageatwhichMinistertoconsiderreport.
371F.Wherenocommutation,pardonorreprieve.
371G.Whereacommutation,pardonorreprieveisgranted.
Procedurewherewomanconvictedofcapitaloffenceisallegedtobepregnant
376.Procedurewherewomanconvictedofcapitaloffenceisallegedtobepregnant.
PART41
Imprisonment
377.Imprisonmenttobewithhardlabourunlessotherwiseordered.
378.Sentenceonchiefsanddetentionpendingdecision.
379.Powertoorderdetentionforonedayinprecinctsofthecourt.
380.Consecutivesentencesofimprisonment.
381.Datefromwhichsentencecommences.
382.Powertoinflictfineinlieuofimprisonment.
383.Escapedprisoners:effectofescapeonpunishment.
PART42
Caning
384.Tobecanedonceonly.
385.Femaleormaleover45nottobecaned.
386.Caningwithalightrodandnotmorethantwelvestrokes.
387.Incertaincasescaningadditionaltootherpunishment.
388.Inflictionofsentencesofcorporalpunishment.
PART43
Fines
389.Fine,imprisonmentindefaultof.
390.Generalpowerofawardingimprisonmentindefaultofpaymentofpenalty.
Assessmentoffine
391.Paymentandallocationoffinesandfees.
Commitmentofdefendantfornonpaymentoffineorpenalty
392.Powertocommitdefendantincertaincases.
393.Powertopostponeissueofwarrantofcommitment.
394.Paymentofpenaltytopersonexecutingwarrant.
395.Commencementofimprisonment.
396.Varyingofordischargingorderforsureties.
397.Rightofpersonimprisonedindefaulttobereleasedonpayingsum.
Distress
398.Finesmaybeorderedtoberecoverablebydistress.
399.Warrantofdistress.
400.Partpaymentreducesperiodofimprisonmentinproportion.
CHAPTER8
DetentionduringthepleasureofthePresidentanddeportation
PART44
DetentionduringthepleasureofthePresident
401.Conditionsattachingtodetentionduringpleasure.
PART45
Deportation
402.Meaningof"deported".
403.NoncitizenmayasktoleaveNigeriainlieuofdeportationorder.
404.Courtmayrecommenddeportationforoffencespunishablebyimprisonment
withoutoption.
405.Indefaultofsecurityforthepeace.
406.Incaseofdangerousconduct.
407.Procedurepriortocourtrecommendingdeportationundersection405or406.
408.Procedureonrecommendationofdeportationundersection404,405or406.
409.Detentionofpersonconcerned.
410.AfterconsiderationPresidentmaymakeanorderofdeportation.
411.Presidentmaywithholdorderandremitcasetocourt.
412.Provisionsastosentenceofdeportation.
CHAPTER9
Juvenileoffendersandprobation
PART46
Juvenileoffenders
413.Procedurefortryingjuvenileoffenders.
414."Conviction"and"sentence"nottobeusedinrelationtojuveniles.
415.Trialofchildrenandyoungpersons.
416.Specialcourtmaycontinueevenifageincorrect.
417.Juvenilesnottoassociatewithadultaccused.
418.Publicnottoattendhearing.
419.Restrictiononpunishment.
420.Juvenilesfoundguiltyofcapitaloffences.
421.Detentioninthecaseofcertaincrimescommittedbychildrenoryoungpersons.
422.Bailofchildrenandyoungpersonsarrested.
423.Custodyofyoungpersonsnotdischargedonbailafterarrest.
424.Associationwithadultwhilstinpolicecustody.
425.Remandorcommittaltocustodyinplaceofdetention.
426.Attendanceatcourtofparentofchildoryoungpersonchargedwithanoffence.
427.Methodsofdealingwithchildrenandyoungpersonschargedwithoffence.
428.Maximumfineonchildfournaira.
429.Powertoorderparenttopayfine,etc.,insteadofchildoryoungperson.
430.Removalofdisqualificationsattachingtofelony.
431.Limitationsofcosts.
432.Restrictionsonpunishmentofchildrenandyoungpersons.
433.Substitutionofcustodyinplaceofdetentionforimprisonment.
434.Escapeduringdetention.
PART47
Probation
435.Conditionalreleaseofoffenders.
436.Probationordersandconditionsofrecognisances.
437.Relievingprobationofficerofhisduties.
438.Dutiesofprobationofficers.
439.Variationoftermsandconditionsofprobation.
440.Provisionsincaseofoffenderfailingtoobserveconditionsofrelease.

CHAPTER10
AssessorsandinquiriesbydirectionoftheAttorneyGeneral
PART48
Assessors
441.Qualificationofassessors.
441A.Disqualificationofanassessor.
442.Sherifftosummonassessors.
443.Exemptioninfavourofmercantileestablishments.
444.Sherifftodeliverpapertocourt.
445.OmittedasapplyingonlytoformerProtectorate.
446.Selectionofassessors.
447.Ifanassessorunabletoattend,trialmayproceed.
448.Adjournment.
449.Opinionofassessors.
450.Penaltyonassessorsnotattending.
451.Noticetopersonsfinedinabsence.
452.Courtmayexemptpersonsfromservingasassessors.
PART49
InquiriesbydirectionofAttorneyGeneral
453.InquiriesbydirectionofAttorneyGeneral.
454.Conductofinquiry.
455.Report.
456.Procedure.
457.Personchargedentitledtocopyofdeposition.
458.Statementsofwitnessesprivileged.
458A.ApplicationtooffencesagainstFederallaws.
CHAPTER11
Miscellaneous
PART50
Coroner'swarrant
459.Nocommittalfortrialbycoroner.
Appeals
Fees
461.Paymentoffees.
462.Statenotrequiredtopayfees.
Forms
463.UseofformsinFirst,SecondandThirdSchedules.
Rulesofcourt
464.Powertomakerulesofcourt.
Formsandprocedureunderotherwrittenlaws
465.Savingastootherformsandprocedure.
PART51
Specialprovisionsrelatingtocorporations
466.(1)ProceedingsinrelationtowhichParthaseffect.
(2)ApplicationofPart.
467.Definitions.
468.Pleabycorporation.
469.Committalofcorporationfortrial.
470.Applicationofsection340(2).
471.Powersofrepresentative.
472.Matterstobereadorsaidorexplainedtorepresentative.
473.Nonappearanceofrepresentative.
474.Saving.
475.Jointchargeagainstcorporationandindividual.
476.Serviceoncorporation.
CHAPTER12
PART52
ServiceandexecutionthroughoutNigeriaoftheprocessofthecourtsoftheStates
477.Interpretation.
478.Serviceofsummonsissuedoninformation,etc.
479.SubpoenaorsummonstowitnessmaybeservedinanotherStatebyleave.
480.Ordersforproductionofprisoners.
481.Modeofproofofservice.
482.ExecutionofwarrantsoutsideStateofissue.
483.Arrestwithoutwarrant.
484.Reviewoforderofmagistrate.
485.Forfeitureofrecognisances.
486.ExecutionofdistresswarrantsoutsideStateofissue.
486A.InsertedbyL.N.156of1960,deletedbyL.N.112of1964.
PART53
487.ProvisionsforDirectorsofPublicProsecutions
488.InsertedbyL.N.155of1960,deletedbyL.N.112of1964.
FIRSTSCHEDULE
Forms
SECONDSCHEDULE
Precedentsofcharges
THIRDSCHEDULE
Precedentsofinformation
FOURTHSCHEDULE
OrdersofthePresident.
FIFTHSCHEDULE
PrecedentsunderPart52
AnActtomakeprovisionfortheproceduretobefollowedincriminalcasesintheHighCourtand
Magistrates'Courts.
[F&L.1958,Cap.43.2of1959.33of1959.30of1960.40of1961.1962No.V.1963No.6.1966No.12.
1966No.84.1967No.5.1970No.44.L.N.128of1959.L.N.257of1959.L.N.258of1959L.N.22of
1960.L.N.155of1960.L.N.112of1964.L.N.139of1965.]
[1stJune,1945]
[Commencement.]
CHAPTER1
Preliminary,arrests,bailandpreventivejustice
PART1
Preliminary
1.Shorttitle
(1)ThisActmaybecitedastheCriminalProcedureAct.
(2)Chapter12ofthisActshallapplytotheFederationofNigeria.
2.Interpretation
(1)InthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires
"adult"meansapersonwhohasattainedtheageofseventeenyearsorover;
"charge"meansthestatementofoffenceorstatementofoffenceswithwhichanaccusedischargedin
asummarytrialbeforeacourt;
"ChiefJudge"meanstheChiefJudgeoftheHighCourt;
"child"meansanypersonwhohasnotattainedtheageoffourteenyears;
"complainant"includesanyinformantorprosecutorinanycaserelatingtoasummaryconviction
offence;
"complaint"meanstheallegationthatanynamedpersonhascommittedanoffencemadebeforea
magistrateforthepurposeofmovinghimtoissueprocessunderthisAct;
"court"includestheHighCourtandamagistrate'scourt;
"defendant"meansanypersonagainstwhomacomplaintismade;
"district"meansadistrictintowhichaStateisdividedforthepurposesofanylawunderwhicha
magistrate'scourtisestablished;
"division"meansajudicialdivisionoftheHighCourt;
"Federallaw"meansanyActenactedbytheNationalAssemblyhavingeffectwithrespecttothe
Federationandanyordinanceenactedpriorto1October1960whichundertheConstitutionofthe
FederalRepublicofNigeria1999,haseffectwithrespecttotheFederation;
[Cap.C23.]
"felony"meansanoffenceonconvictionforwhichapersoncan,withoutproofofhishavingbeen
previouslyconvictedofanoffence,besentencedtodeathortoimprisonmentforthreeyearsormore,
orwhichisdeclaredbylawtobeafelony;
"fine"includesanypecuniarypenaltyorpecuniaryforfeitureorpecuniarycompensationpayableunder
aconviction;
"futureenactment"meansanyenactmentpassedafterthecommencementofthisAct;
"guardian"inrelationtoachildoryoungperson,meanstheparentorotherpersonhavinglawful
custodyofsuchchildoryoungperson,andincludesanypersonwho,intheopinionofthecourthaving
cognisanceofanycaseinwhichsuchchildoryoungpersonisconcerned,hasforthetimebeingthe
custody,controlover,orchargeofsuchchildoryoungperson;
"HighCourt"meanstheHighCourtoftheStateortheFederalHighCourt;
"indictableoffence"meansanyoffence
(a)whichonconvictionmaybepunishedbyatermofimprisonmentexceedingtwoyears;or
(b)whichonconvictionmaybepunishedbyimpositionofafineexceedingfourhundrednaira,
notbeinganoffencedeclaredbythelawcreatingittobepunishableonsummaryconviction;
"indicted"meansthefilingofaninformationagainstapersonwhoiscommittedfortrialtotheHigh
Courtafterpreliminaryinquirybyamagistrate;
"infant"meansapersonwhohasnotattainedtheageofsevenyears;
"Judge"meansaJudgeoftheHighCourt;
"justiceofthepeace"meansapersonappointedtobeajusticeofthepeaceunderthelawofaState;
"juvenileoffender"meansanoffenderwhohasnotattainedtheageofseventeenyears;
"lawofficer"hasthemeaningassignedtheretointheCriminalCode;
"lawofaState"meansanywrittenlawinforceinaStatewhichisnotaFederallaw;
"legalguardian"inrelationtoaninfant,child,youngperson,orjuvenileoffender,meansaperson
appointed,accordingtolaw,tobehisguardianbydeedorwill,orbyorderofacourtofcompetent
jurisdiction;
"magistrate"meansamagistrateappointedinaccordancewiththelawofaState;
"magistrate'scourt"meansamagistrate'scourtestablishedunderthelawofaState;
"offence"meansanoffenceagainstanyenactmentinforceinaState;
"officerinchargeofapolicestation"includes,whentheofficerinchargeofthepolicestationisabsent
fromthestationbuildingorunableforanyreasontoperformhisduties,thepoliceofficerpresentatthe
stationbuildingwhoisnextinseniorityto,orwhointheabsenceofsuchofficerinchargeperformsthe
dutyof,suchofficer;
"opencourt"meansanyroomorplaceinwhichanycourtshallbesittingtohearanddetermineany
matterswithinitsjurisdictionandtowhichroomorplacethepublicmayhaveaccesssofarasthesame
canconvenientlycontainthem;
"order"includesanyconvictioninrespectofasummaryconvictionoffence;
"penalty"includesanypecuniaryfine,forfeiture,costsorcompensationrecoverableorpayableunder
anorder;
"placeofsafety"includesanysuitableplace,theoccupierofwhichiswillingtemporarilytoreceivean
infant,child,oryoungperson;
"policeofficer"includesanymemberofthepoliceforceestablishedbythePoliceAct;[Cap.P19.]
"preliminaryinquiry"meansaninvestigationofacriminalchargeheldbyamagistrate'scourtwitha
viewtothecommittalofanaccusedpersonfortrialbeforetheHighCourt;
"prescribed"meansprescribedbyrulesmadeundertheauthorityofthisAct;
"registrar"includestheChiefRegistrarandaregistraroftheHighCourtandofamagistrate'scourt;
"rules"or"therules"meansrulesofcourtrelatingtothepracticeandprocedureoftheHighCourtorof
themagistrates'courtsintheexerciseoftheircriminaljurisdiction;
"sentencedtoimprisonment"shallincludecaseswhereimprisonmentisimposedbyacourtonany
personeitherwithorwithouttheoptionofafine,orinrespectofthenonpaymentofanysumof
money,orforfailingtodoorabstainingfromdoinganyactorthingrequiredtobedoneorleftundone,
andtheexpression"sentenceofimprisonment"shallbeconstruedaccordingly;
"sheriff"meansasheriffwithinthemeaningoftheSheriffsandCivilProcessActandincludesadeputy
sheriffandanypersonauthorisedbythesherifforadeputysherifftoexecuteprocessofacourt;
"summaryconvictionoffence"meansanyoffencepunishablebyamagistrate'scourtonsummary
conviction,andincludesanymatterinrespectofwhichamagistrate'scourtcanmakeanorderinthe
exerciseofitssummaryjurisdiction;
"summarycourt"meansunlessthesameisexpresslyorbynecessaryimplicationqualified
(a)aJudgeoftheHighCourtwhensittingincourtandpresidingoverasummarytrial;and
(b)anymagistratewhensittinginopencourttohearanddetermineanymatterswithinhis
powerandjurisdictioneitherundertheprovisionsofthisActoranyotherwrittenlaw,
andsuchJudgewhensosittingandpresidingandsuchmagistratewhensosittingasaforesaidshallbe
deemedtobea"court"or"summarycourt"withinthemeaningofthisAct;
"summarytrial"meansanytrialbyamagistrateandatrialbyaJudgeinwhichtheaccusedhasnot
beencommittedfortrialafterapreliminaryinquiry;
"superiorpoliceofficer"hasthesamemeaningasinthePoliceAct;
[Cap.P19.]
"whip"meansawhipofapatternapprovedbytheMinisterchargedwithresponsibilityforprisons;
"youngperson"meansapersonwhohasattainedtheageoffourteenandhasnotattainedtheageof
seventeenyears.
(2)NothinginChapters1to11inclusiveofthisActshallbeconstruedtoauthorise
(a) theserviceoutsidetheStateofasummonstoenforcetheappearancebeforeacourtof
anaccusedperson,surety,orparentofanaccusedperson;
(b) theserviceoutsidetheStateofasubpoena,summonsornoticeofhearingtocompel
theattendanceofawitnessbeforeacourt;
(c) theexecutionoutsidetheStateofawarrantforthearrestofanypersonorofasearch
warrant;
(d) theissueofanordertocompeltheproductionofanypersonconfinedinaprison
outsidetheState;
(e) theexecutionoutsidetheStateofawarrantofdistress;or
(f) theexecutionoutsidetheStateofawarrantofcommittalissuedinaccordancewith
section392ofthisAct.
PART2
Arrest
Generally
3.Arrest,howmade
Inmakinganarrest,thepoliceofficerorotherpersonmakingthesameshallactuallytouchorconfine
thebodyofthepersontobearrested,unlesstherebeasubmissiontothecustodybywordoraction.
4.Nounnecessaryrestraint
Apersonarrestedshallnotbehandcuffed,otherwiseboundorbesubjectedtounnecessaryrestraint
exceptbyorderofthecourt,amagistrateorjusticeofthepeaceorunlessthereisreasonable
apprehensionofviolenceorofanattempttoescapeorunlesstherestraintisconsiderednecessaryfor
thesafetyofthepersonarrested.
5.Notificationofcauseofarrest
Exceptwhenthepersonarrestedisintheactualcourseofthecommissionofacrimeorispursued
immediatelyafterthecommissionofacrimeorescapefromlawfulcustody,thepoliceofficerorother
personmakingthearrestshallinformthepersonarrestedofthecauseofthearrest.
6.Searchofarrestedpersons
(1)Wheneverapersonisarrestedbyapoliceofficeroraprivateperson,thepoliceofficer
makingthearrestortowhomtheprivatepersonmakesoverthepersonarrested,maysearchsuch
person,usingsuchforceasmaybereasonablynecessaryforsuchpurpose,andplaceinsafecustodyall
articlesotherthannecessarywearingapparelfounduponhim:
Providedthatwheneverthepersonarrestedisadmittedtobailandbailisfurnished,suchpersonshall
not,subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(6)ofthissection,besearchedunlesstherearereasonable
groundsforbelievingthathehasabouthisperson,any
(a) stolenarticles;or
(b) instrumentsofviolenceorpoisonoussubstance;or
(c) toolsconnectedwiththekindofoffencewhichheisallegedtohavecommitted;or
(d) otherarticleswhichmayfurnishevidenceagainsthiminregardtotheoffencewhichhe
isallegedtohavecommitted.
(2)Wheneveritisnecessarytocauseawomantobesearched,thesearchshallbemadeby
anotherwoman.
(3)Notwithstandingtheotherprovisionsofthissection,anypoliceofficerorotherperson
makinganarrestmayinanycasetakefromthepersonarrestedanyoffensiveweaponswhichhehas
abouthisperson.
(4)Whereanypropertyhasbeentakenunderthissectionfromapersonchargedbeforeacourt
ofcompetentjurisdictionwithanyoffence,areportshallbemadebythepolicetosuchcourtofthefact
ofsuchpropertyhavingbeentakenfromthepersonchargedandoftheparticularsofsuchproperty,
andthecourtshall,ifofopinionthatthepropertyoranyportionthereofcanbereturnedconsistently
withtheinterestofjusticeandwiththesafecustodyofthepersoncharged,directsuchpropertyorany
portionthereoftobereturnedtothepersonchargedortosuchotherpersonashemaydirect.
(5)Whereanypropertyhasbeentakenfromapersonunderthissection,andthepersonisnot
chargedbeforeanycourtbutisreleasedonthegroundthatthereisnosufficientreasontobelievethat
hehascommittedanyoffence,anypropertysotakenfromhimshallberestoredtohim.
(6)Whenapersonisinlawfulcustodyuponachargeofcommittinganyoffenceofsuchanature
andallegedtohavebeencommittedinsuchcircumstancesthattherearereasonablegroundsfor
believingthatanexaminationofhispersonwillaffordevidenceastothecommissionoftheoffence,it
shallbelawfulforaqualifiedmedicalpractitioner,actingattherequestofapoliceofficer,orifnosuch
practitionerisprocurable,thenforsuchpoliceofficer,andforanypersonactingingoodfaithinaidand
underthedirectionofsuchpractitionerorpoliceofficer,asthecasemaybe,tomakesuchan
examinationofthepersonsoincustodyasisreasonablynecessaryinordertoascertainthefactswhich
mayaffordsuchevidence,andtousesuchforceasisreasonablynecessaryforthatpurpose.
7.Searchofplaceenteredbypersonsoughttobearrested
(1)Ifanypersonorpoliceofficeractingunderawarrantofarrestorotherwisehavingauthority
toarrest,hasreasontobelievethatthepersontobearrestedhasenteredintooriswithinanyplace,
thepersonresidinginorbeinginchargeofsuchplaceshall,ondemandofsuchpersonactingas
aforesaidorsuchpoliceofficer,allowhimfreeingresstheretoandaffordallreasonablefacilitiesto
searchthereinforthepersonsoughttobearrested.
(2)Ifingresstosuchplacecannotbeobtainedundersubsection(1)ofthissection,anysuch
personorpoliceofficermayentersuchplaceandsearchthereinforthepersontobearrested,andin
ordertoeffectanentranceintosuchplace,maybreakopenanyouterorinnerdoororwindowofany
houseorplace,whetherthatofthepersontobearrestedorofanyotherpersonorotherwiseeffect
entryintosuchhouseorplace,ifafternotificationofhisauthorityandpurpose,anddemandof
admittancedulymade,hecannototherwiseobtainadmittance.
8.Powertobreakoutofanyhouseforpurposeofliberation
Anypoliceofficerorotherpersonauthorisedtomakeanarrest,maybreakoutofanyhouseorplacein
ordertoliberatehimselforanyotherpersonwho,havinglawfullyenteredforthepurposeofmakingan
arrest,isdetainedtherein.
9.Arrestedpersonstobetakenatoncetopolicestation
Anypersonwhoisarrested,whetherwithorwithoutawarrant,shallbetakenwithallreasonable
despatchtoapolicestation,orotherplaceforthereceptionofarrestedpersons,andshallwithout
delaybeinformedofthechargeagainsthim.Anysuchpersonwhileincustodyshallbegivenreasonable
facilitiesforobtaininglegaladvice,takingstepstofurnishbail,andotherwisemakingarrangementsfor
hisdefenceorrelease.
Arrestwithoutwarrantandprocedurethereon
10.Arrestbypoliceofficerwithoutwarrant
[L.N.112of1964.]
(1)Anypoliceofficermay,withoutanorderfromamagistrateandwithoutawarrant,arrest
(a) anypersonwhomhesuspectsuponreasonablegroundsofhavingcommittedan
indictableoffenceagainstaFederallaworagainstthelawofanyStateoragainstthe
lawofanyotherStateunlessthewrittenlawcreatingtheoffenceprovidesthattheoffender
cannotbearrestedwithoutawarrant;
(b) anypersonwhocommitsanyoffenceinhispresence;
(c) anypersonwhoobstructsapoliceofficerwhileintheexecutionofhisduty,orwhohas
escapedorattemptstoescapefromlawfulcustody;
(d)anypersoninwhosepossessionanythingisfoundwhichmayreasonablybesuspectedtobestolen
propertyorwhomayreasonablybesuspectedofhavingcommittedanoffencewithreferencetosuch
thing;
(e)anypersonwhomhesuspectsuponreasonablegroundsofbeingadeserterfromanyofthearmed
forcesofNigeria;
[L.N.112of1964.]
(f)anypersonwhomhesuspectsuponreasonablegroundofhavingbeenconcernedinanyact
committedatanyplaceoutofNigeriawhich,ifcommittedinNigeria,wouldhavebeenpunishableasan
offence,andforwhichheis,underanyenactmentinforceinNigeria,liabletobeapprehendedand
detainedinNigeria;
(g)anypersonhavinginhispossessionwithoutlawfulexcuse,theburdenofprovingwhichexcuseshall
lieonsuchperson,anyimplementofhousebreaking;
(h)anypersonforwhomhehasreasonablecausetobelieveawarrantofarresthasbeenissuedbya
courtofcompetentjurisdictionintheState;
(i)anypersonwhohasnoostensiblemeansofsubsistenceandwhocannotgiveasatisfactoryaccount
ofhimself;and
(j)anypersonfoundintheStatetakingprecautionstoconcealhispresenceincircumstanceswhich
affordreasontobelievethatheistakingsuchprecautionswithaviewtocommittinganoffencewhichis
afelonyormisdemeanour.
(2)Theauthoritygiventoapoliceofficertoarrestapersonwhocommitsanoffenceinhispresence,
shallbeexercisableinrespectofoffencescommittedinsuchofficer'spresencenotwithstandingthatthe
writtenlawcreatingtheoffenceprovidesthattheoffendercannotbearrestedwithoutawarrant.
(3)ThepowersconferredbythissectionuponapoliceofficershallbeexercisablewithinaStatebya
memberofthepoliceforce.
11.Refusaltogivenameandresidence
(1)Whenanypersonwho,inthepresenceofapoliceofficer,hascommittedorhasbeenaccusedof
committinganonindictableoffence,refusesondemandofsuchofficertogivehisnameandresidence,
orgivesanameorresidencewhichsuchofficerhasreasontobelievetobefalse,hemaybearrestedby
suchofficerinorderthathisnameorresidencemaybeascertained.
(2)Whenthetruenameandresidenceofsuchpersonhavebeenascertained,heshallbereleasedonhis
executingarecognisance,withorwithoutsureties,toappearbeforeamagistrateifsorequired:
ProvidedthatifsuchpersonisnotresidentinNigeria,therecognisanceshallbesecuredbyasuretyor
suretiesresidentinNigeria.
(3)Shouldthetruenameandresidenceofsuchpersonnotbeascertainedwithin24hoursfromthe
timeofarrest,orshouldhefailtoexecutetherecognisance,or,ifsorequiredtofurnishsufficient
sureties,heshallforthwithbeforwardedtothenearestmagistratehavingjurisdiction.
12.Arrestbyprivatepersons
AnyprivatepersonmayarrestinaStateanypersonwhoinhisviewcommitsanindictableoffence,or
whomhereasonablysuspectsofhavingcommittedanoffencewhichisafelonyorofhavingcommitted
bynightanoffencewhichisamisdemeanour.
13.Arrestbyownersofproperty
Personsfoundcommittinganyoffenceinvolvinginjurytopropertymaybearrestedwithoutawarrant
bytheownerofthepropertyorhisservantsorpersonsauthorisedbyhim.
14.Disposalofpersonarrestedbyprivateperson
(1)Anyprivatepersonarrestinganyotherpersonwithoutawarrant,shallwithoutunnecessarydelay
makeoverthepersonsoarrestedtoapoliceofficer,orintheabsenceofapoliceofficershalltakesuch
persontothenearestpolicestation.
(2)Ifthereisreasontobelievethatsuchpersoncomesundertheprovisionsofsubsection(1)ofsection
10ofthisAct,apoliceofficershallrearresthim.
(3)Ifthereisreasontobelievethathehascommittedanindictableoffence,andherefusesonthe
demandofapoliceofficertogivehisnameandresidence,orgivesanameorresidencewhichsuch
officerhasreasontobelievetobefalse,heshallbedealtwithundertheprovisionsofsection11ofthis
Act;andifthereisnosufficientreasontobelievethathehascommittedanyoffence,heshallbeatonce
released.
15.Offencecommittedinpresenceofjudgeormagistrate
Whenanyoffenceiscommittedinthepresenceofajudgeormagistratewithinthedivisionordistrictin
whichsuchjudgeissittingortowhichsuchmagistrateisassigned,suchjudgeormagistratemayhimself
arrestororderanypersontoarresttheoffenderandmaythereupon,subjecttotheprovisionsherein
containedastobail,committheoffendertocustody.
16.Arrestbymagistrate
(1)Withinthedistricttowhichheisassigned,anymagistratemayarrestordirectthearrestin
hispresenceofanypersonwhosearrestuponawarranthecouldhavelawfullyorderedifthefacts
knowntohimatthetimeofmakingordirectingthearresthadbeenstatedbeforehimonoathbysome
otherperson.
(2)Whereapersonisarrestedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofeithersection15or16of
thisAct,thejudgeormagistratemakingordirectingthemakingofsucharrestmay,dealwiththeperson
soarrestedinthesamemannerasifsuchlastnamedpersonhadbeenbroughtbeforehimbyorunder
thedirectionsofanyotherperson.
Bailonarrestwithoutwarrant
17.Releaseonbailofapersonarrestedwithoutwarrant
Whenanypersonhasbeentakenintocustodywithoutawarrantforanoffenceotherthananoffence
punishablewithdeath,anyofficerinchargeofapolicestationmay,inanycase,andshall,ifitwillnot
bepracticabletobringsuchpersonbeforeamagistrateorjusticeofthepeacehavingjurisdictionwith
respecttotheoffencechargedwithin24hoursafterhewassotakenintocustody,inquireintothecase,
and,unlesstheoffenceappearstosuchofficertobeofaseriousnature,dischargethepersonuponhis
enteringintoarecognisancewithorwithoutsuretiesforareasonableamounttoappearbeforeacourt
atthetimeandplacenamedintherecognisance,butwheresuchpersonisretainedincustody,heshall
bebroughtbeforeacourtorjusticeofthepeacehavingjurisdictionwithrespecttotheoffenceor
empoweredtodealwithsuchpersonbysection484ofthisActassoonaspracticable,whetherornot
thepoliceinquiriesarecompleted.
18.Powertoreleaseonbailbeforechargeisaccepted
If,onapersonbeingsotakenintocustodyasaforesaid,itappearstotheofficeraforesaidthatthe
inquiryintothecasecannotbecompletedforthwith,hemaydischargethesaidpersononhisentering
intoarecognisance,withorwithoutsuretiesforareasonableamount,toappearatsuchpolicestation
andatsuchtimesasarenamedintherecognisance,unlesshepreviouslyreceivesnoticeinwritingfrom
theofficerofpoliceinchargeofthatpolicestationthathisattendanceisnotrequired,andanysuch
recognisancemaybeenforcedasifitwerearecognisanceconditionalfortheappearanceofthesaid
personbeforeamagistrate'scourtfortheplaceinwhichthepolicestationnamedintherecognisanceis
situate.
19.Dischargeofpersonforwantofevidence
Whenanypersonhasbeentakenintocustodywithoutawarrant,foranoffenceotherthananoffence
punishablewithdeath,theofficerinchargeofthepolicestationorotherplaceforthereceptionof
arrestedpersonstowhichsuchpersonisbroughtshall,ifaftertheinquiryiscompletedheissatisfied
thatthereisnosufficientreasontobelievethatthepersonhascommittedanyoffence,forthwith
releasesuchperson.
20.Policetoreportapprehensions
Officersinchargeofpolicestationsshallreporttothenearestmagistratethecasesofallpersons
arrestedwithoutwarrantwithinthelimitsoftheirrespectivestations,whethersuchpersonshavebeen
admittedtobailornot.
Warrantsofarrest
Generalauthoritytoissue
21.Generalauthoritytoissuewarrants
Whereunderanywrittenlaw,whetherpassedbeforeorafterthecommencementofthisAct,thereis
powertoarrestapersonwithoutwarrant,awarrantforhisarrestmaybeissued.
Warrants,ingeneral
22.Formandrequisitesofwarrantofarrest
(1)EverywarrantofarrestissuedunderthisActor,unlessthecontraryisexpresslyprovided,
underanyotherwrittenlaw,shallbearthedateofthedayofissue,shallcontainallnecessary
particularsandshallbesignedbythejudgeormagistratebywhomitisissued.
(2)Everysuchwarrantshallstateconciselytheoffenceormatterforwhichitisissuedandshall
nameorotherwisedescribethepersontobearrested,anditshallorderthepoliceofficerorofficersto
whomitisdirectedtoapprehendsuchpersonandbringhimbeforethecourttoanswerthecomplaint
orstatement,ortotestifyorotherwise,accordingtothecircumstancesofthecase,andtobefurther
dealtwithaccordingtolaw.
23.Warrantissuedoncomplaintonlyifonoath
Nowarrantofarrestshallbeissuedinthefirstinstanceinrespectofanycomplaintorstatementunless
suchcomplaintorstatementbeonoatheitherbythecomplainanthimselforbyamaterialwitness.
24.Warrantmayissueonanyday
AwarrantofarrestmaybeissuedonanydayincludingaSundayorpublicholiday.
25.Warrants,towhomdirected,andduration
(1)Awarrantofarrestmaybedirectedtoapoliceofficerbynameortoallpoliceofficers.
(2)Itshallnotbenecessarytomakeanysuchwarrantreturnableatanyparticulartimeanda
warrantshallremaininforceuntilitisexecutedoruntilitiscancelledbyajudgeoramagistrate,asthe
casemaybe.*
26.Omittedasinapplicableasitrelatestowarrantsdirectedtonativeauthoritypoliceforceswhich
havebeenabolished.
27.Warrantofarrestmayinexceptionalcasesbedirectedtootherpersons
(1)Anycourtissuingawarrantofarrestmay,ifitsimmediateexecutionisnecessaryandno
policeofficerisimmediatelyavailable,directittosomeotherpersonorpersonsandsuchpersonor
personsshallexecutethesame.
(2)Anysuchperson,whenexecutingawarrantofarrestdirectedtohim,shallhaveallthe
powers,rights,privilegesandprotectiongiventooraffordedbylawtoapoliceofficerexecutinga
warrantofarrestandshallconformwiththerequirementsplacedbylawonsuchapoliceofficer.
Executionofwarrant,ingeneral
28.Executionofwarrantandprocedurethereon
(1)EverywarrantofarrestmaybeexecutedonanydayincludingaSundayorpublicholiday.
(2)Everysuchwarrantmaybeexecutedbyanypoliceofficeratanytimeandinanyplaceinthe
Stateotherthanwithintheactualcourtroominwhichacourtissitting.
(3)Thepersonexecutinganysuchwarrantshall,beforemakingthearrest,informthepersonto
bearrestedthatthereisawarrantforhisapprehensionunlessthereisreasonablecauseforabstaining
fromgivingsuchinformationonthegroundthatitislikelytooccasionescape,resistance,orrescue.
(4)Everypersonarrestedonanysuchwarrantshall,subjecttotheprovisionsofsections30and
31ofthisAct,bebroughtbeforethecourtwhichissuedthewarrantassoonasispracticableafterheis
soarrested.
29.Powertoarrestonwarrantbutwithoutthewarrant
Awarrantofarrestmaybeexecutednotwithstandingthatitisnotinthepossessionatthetimeofthe
personexecutingthewarrant,butthewarrant,shall,onthedemandofthepersonapprehended,be
showntohimassoonaspracticableafterhisarrest.
Bailbyorderofcourtonexecutionofwarrantofarrest
30.Courtmaydirectparticularsofsecuritytobetakenonexecutionofwarrant
(1)Anycourt,onissuingawarrantforthearrestofanypersoninrespectofanymatterother
thananoffencepunishablewithdeath,may,ifitthinksfit,byendorsementonthewarrant,directthat
thepersonnamedinthewarrantbereleasedonarrestonhisenteringintosucharecognisanceforhis
appearanceasmayberequiredintheendorsement.
(2)Theendorsementshallspecify
(a) thenumberofsureties,ifany;
(b) theamountinwhichtheyandthepersonnamedinthewarrantarerespectivelytobe
bound;
(c) thecourtbeforewhichthepersonarrestedistoattend;and
(d) thetimeatwhichheistoattend,includinganundertakingtoappearatasubsequent
timeasmaybedirectedbyanycourtbeforewhichhemayappear.
(3)Wheresuchanendorsementismade,theofficerinchargeofanypolicestationtowhichon
arrestthepersonnamedinthewarrantisbrought,shalldischargehimuponhisenteringintoa
recognisance,withorwithoutsuretiesapprovedbythatofficer,inaccordancewiththeendorsement,
conditionedforhisappearancebeforethecourtandatthetimeandplacenamedintherecognisance.
(4)Wheresecurityistakenunderthissection,theofficerwhotakestherecognisanceshallcause
ittobeforwardedtothecourtbeforewhichthepersonnamedintherecognisanceisboundtoappear.
(5)Theprovisionsofsubsections(3)and(4)ofthissectionshallnothaveeffectwithrespecttoa
warrantexecutedoutsidetheState.
Executionofwarrantoutofdivisionordistrictinwhichissued
31.Procedureonarrestofpersonsoutsidedivisionordistrictofcourtissuingwarrant
(1)WhereawarrantofarrestisexecutedintheStateoutsidethedivisionordistrictofthecourt
bywhichitwasissued,thepersonarrestedshall,unlesssecurityistakenundersection30ofthisAct,be
takenbeforethecourtwithinthedivisionordistrictinwhichthearrestwasmade.
(2)Suchcourtshallifthepersonarrested,uponsuchinquiryasthecourtdeemsnecessary,
appearstobethepersonintendedtobearrestedbythecourtwhichissuedthewarrant,directhis
removalincustodytosuchcourt:
Providedthatifsuchpersonhasbeenarrestedinrespectofanymatterotherthananoffence
punishablewithdeath
(a) andisreadyandwillingtogivebailtothesatisfactionofthecourtwithinthedivisionor
districtofwhichhewasarrested;or
(b) ifadirectionhadbeenendorsedundersection30ofthisActonthewarrantandsuch
personisreadyandwillingtogivethesecurityrequiredbysuchdirection,
thecourtshalltakebailorsecurity,asthecasemaybe,and,shallforwardthe
recognisance,ifsuchbeenteredinto,tothecourtwhichissuedthewarrant.
(3)Nothinginthissectionshallbedeemedtopreventapoliceofficerfromtakingsecurityunder
section30ofthisAct.
PART3
Escapeandretaking
32.Recaptureofpersonescaping
Ifapersoninlawfulcustodyescapesorisrescued,thepersonfromwhosecustodyheescapesoris
rescuedmaypursueandarresthiminanyplaceinNigeria.
33.Provisionsofsections7and8toapplytoarrestsundersection32
Theprovisionsofsections7and8ofthisActshallapplytoarrestsunderthelastprecedingsection,
althoughthepersonmakinganysucharrestisnotactingunderawarrantandisnotapoliceofficer
havingauthoritytoarrest.
34.Assistancetojudge,magistrateorpoliceofficer
Everypersonisboundtoassistajudgeormagistrateorpoliceofficerreasonablydemandinghisaid
(a) inthetakingorpreventingtheescapeofanyotherpersonwhomsuchmagistrateor
policeofficerisauthorisedtoarrest;
(b) inthepreventionorsuppressionofabreachofthepeace,orinthepreventionofany
injuryattemptedtobecommittedtoanytelegraphorpublicproperty.
PART4
Preventionofoffences
Securityforkeepingthepeaceandforgoodbehaviour
35.Powerofmagistratetorequireexecutionofrecognisanceforkeepingthepeace
(1)Wheneveramagistrateisinformedonoaththatanypersonislikelytocommitabreachof
thepeaceordisturbthepublictranquility,ortodoanywrongfulactthatmayprobablyoccasiona
breachofthepeaceordisturbthepublictranquility,themagistratemayinmannerhereinafter
provided,requiresuchpersontoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbeorderedtoenterintoa
recognisance,withorwithoutsureties,forkeepingthepeaceforsuchperiod,notexceedingoneyear,
asthemagistratethinksfit.
(2)Proceedingsshallnotbetakenunderthissectionunless
(a) thepersoninformedagainstisintheState;and
(b) suchpersoniswithinthedistricttowhichthemagistrateisassignedortheplacewhere
thebreachofthepeaceordisturbanceisapprehendediswithinthedistricttowhichthe
magistrateisassigned.
36.Securityforgoodbehaviourforsuspectedpersons
Wheneveramagistrateisinformedonoaththatanypersonistakingprecautionstoconcealhis
presencewithinthelocallimitsofsuchmagistrate'sjurisdiction,andthatthereisreasontobelievethat
suchpersonistakingsuchprecautionswithaviewtocommittinganyoffence,suchmagistratemay,in
mannerhereinafterprovided,requiresuchpersontoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbeorderedtoenter
intoarecognisance,withsureties,forhisgoodbehaviourforsuchperiod,notexceedingoneyear,asthe
magistratethinksfit.
37.Securityforgoodbehaviourforhabitualoffenders
Wheneveramagistrateisinformedonoaththatanypersonwithinthelocallimitsofhisjurisdiction
(a) isbyhabitarobber,housebreaker,orthief;or
(b) isbyhabitareceiverofstolenproperty,knowingthesametohavebeenstolen;or
(c) habituallyprotectsorharboursthieves,oraidsintheconcealmentordisposalofstolen
property;or
(d) habituallycommitsorattemptstocommit,oraidsorabetsinthecommissionof,any
offencepunishableunderChapter34,35,36or41oftheCriminalCode;or
[Cap.C38.]
(e) habituallycommitsorattemptstocommit,oraidsorabetsinthecommissionof,
offencesinvolvingabreachofthepeace;or
(f) issodesperateordangerousastorenderhisbeingatlargewithoutsecurityhazardous
tothecommunity,
suchmagistratemay,inmannerhereinafterprovided,requiresuchpersontoshowcausewhyheshould
notbeorderedtoenterintoarecognisance,withsureties,forhisgoodbehaviourforsuchperiod,net
exceedingthreeyears,asthemagistratethinksfit.
38.Ordertobemade
Whenamagistrateactingundersections35,36,or37ofthisActdeemsitnecessarytorequireany
persontoshowcauseundersuchsection,heshallmakeanorderinwritingsettingforth
(a) thesubstanceoftheinformationreceived;
(b) theamountoftherecognisancetobeexecuted;
(c) thetermforwhichitistobeinforce;and
(d) thenumber,character,andclassofsureties,ifany,required.
39.Procedureinrespectofpersonpresentincourt
Ifthepersoninrespectofwhomsuchorderismadeispresentincourt,itshallbereadovertohimor,if
hesodesires,thesubstancethereofshallbeexplainedtohim.
40.Summonsorwarrantincaseofpersonnotsopresent
Ifsuchpersonisnotpresentincourt,themagistrateshallissueasummonsrequiringhimtoappear,or,
whensuchpersonisincustody,awarrantdirectingtheofficerinwhosecustodyheistobringhim
beforethecourt:
Providedthatwheneveritappearstosuchmagistrate,uponthereportofapoliceofficeroruponother
information,thesubstanceofwhichreportorinformationshallberecordedbythemagistrate,that
thereisreasontofearthecommissionofabreachofthepeace,andthatsuchbreachofthepeace
cannotbepreventedotherwisethanbytheimmediatearrestofsuchperson,themagistratemayatany
timeissueawarrantforhisarrest.
41.Copyoforderundersection38toaccompanysummonsorwarrant
Everysummonsorwarrantissuedunderthelastprecedingsectionshallbeaccompaniedbyacopyof
theordermadeundersection38ofthisAct,andsuchcopyshallbedeliveredbytheofficerservingor
executingsuchsummonsorwarranttothepersonservedwithorarrestedunderthesame.
42.Powertodispensewithpersonalattendance
Themagistratemay,ifheseessufficientcause,dispensewiththepersonalattendanceofanyperson
calledupontoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbeorderedtoenterintoarecognisanceforkeepingthe
peace,andmaypermithimtoappearbyalegalpractitioner.
43.Inquiryastotruthofinformation
(1)Whenanorderundersection38ofthisActhasbeenreadorexplainedundersection39of
thisActtoapersonincourt,orwhenanypersonappearsorisbroughtbeforeamagistratein
compliancewithorinexecutionofasummonsorwarrantissuedundersection40ofthisAct,the
magistrateshallproceedtoinquireintothetruthoftheinformationuponwhichtheactionhasbeen
taken,andtotakesuchfurtherevidenceasmayappearnecessary.
(2)Suchinquiryshallbemade,asnearlyasmaybepracticable,inthemannerhereinafter
prescribedforconductingtrialsandrecordingevidenceintrialsbeforemagistrates'courts.
(3)Pendingthecompletionoftheinquiryundersubsection(1)ofthisAct,themagistrate,ifhe
considersthatimmediatemeasuresarenecessaryforthepreventionofabreachofthepeaceor
disturbanceofthepublictranquilityorthecommissionofanyoffenceorforthepublicsafety,may,for
reasonstoberecordedinwriting,directthepersoninrespectofwhomtheorderundersection38of
thisActhasbeenmadetoenterintoarecognisance,withorwithoutsureties,forkeepingthepeaceor
maintaininggoodbehaviouruntiltheconclusionoftheinquiry,andmaydetainhimincustodyuntilsuch
recognisanceisenteredintoor,indefaultofexecution,untiltheinquiryisconcluded:
Providedthat
(a) nopersonagainstwhomproceedingsarebeingtakenundersection35ofthisActshall
bedirectedtoenterintoarecognisanceformaintaininggoodbehaviour;and
(b) theconditionsofsuchrecognisance,whetherastotheamountthereoforastothe
provisionsofsuretiesorthenumberthereoforthepecuniaryextentoftheirliability
shallnotbemoreonerousthanthosespecifiedintheorderundersection38ofthisAct;
and
(c) nopersonshallberemandedincustodyunderthepowersconferredbythissectionfor
aperiodexceedingfifteendaysatatime.
(4)Forthepurposesofthissection,thefactthatapersoncomeswithintheprovisionsofsection
37ofthisActmaybeprovedbyevidenceofgeneralreputeorotherwise.
(5)Wheretwoormorepersonshavebeenassociatedtogetherinthematterunderinquiry,they
maybedealtwithinthesameorseparateinquiriesasthemagistratethinksfit.
44.Ordertogivesecurity
(1)Ifuponsuchinquiryitisprovedthatitisnecessaryforkeepingthepeaceormaintaining
goodbehaviour,asthecasemaybe,thatthepersoninrespectofwhomtheinquiryismadeshould
enterintoarecognisance,withorwithoutsureties,themagistrateshallmakeanorderaccordingly:
Providedthat
(a) nopersonshallbeorderedtogivesecurityofanaturedifferentfrom,orofanamount
largerthan,orforaperiodlongerthan,thatspecifiedintheordermadeundersection
38ofthisAct;
(b) theamountofeveryrecognisanceshallbefixedwithdueregardtothecircumstancesof
thecaseandshallnotbeexcessive;
(c) whenthepersoninrespectofwhomtheinquiryismadeisaminor,therecognisance
shallbeenteredintoasprovidedinsection121ofthisAct.
(2)Anypersonorderedtogivesecurityforgoodbehaviourunderthissectionmayappealtothe
HighCourt,whosedecisionshallbefinal.
45.Dischargeofpersoninformedagainst
If,onaninquiryundersection43ofthisAct,itisnotprovedthatitisnecessaryforkeepingthepeaceor
maintaininggoodbehaviour,asthecasemaybe,thatthepersoninrespectofwhomtheinquiryismade
shouldenterintoarecognisance,themagistrateshallmakeanentryontherecordtothateffect,andif
suchpersonisincustodyonlyforthepurposeoftheinquiry,shallreleasehim,or,ifsuchpersonisnot
incustody,shalldischargehim.
Proceedingsinallcasessubsequenttoordertofurnishsecurity
46.Commencementofperiodforwhichsecurityisrequired
(1)Ifanypersoninrespectofwhomanorderrequiringsecurityismadeundersection44ofthis
Actis,atthetimesuchorderismade,sentencedtoorundergoingasentenceofimprisonment,the
periodforwhichsuchsecurityisrequiredshallcommenceontheexpirationofsuchsentence.
(2)Inothercasessuchperiodshallcommenceonthedateofsuchorderunlessthemagistrate,
forsufficientreason,fixesalaterdate.
47.Conditionsofrecognisance
Therecognisancetobeenteredintobyanysuchpersonshallbindhimtokeepthepeaceortobeof
goodbehaviour,asthecasemaybe,andinthelattercasethecommissionorattempttocommitorthe
aiding,abetting,counseling,orprocuringthecommissionanywherewithintheStateatanytimeduring
thecontinuanceoftherecognisanceofanyoffencepunishablewithimprisonment,whereveritmaybe
committed,shallbeabreachoftherecognisance.
48.Powertorejectsureties
Amagistratemayrefusetoacceptanysuretyofferedunderanyoftheprecedingsectionsontheground
that,forreasonstoberecordedbythemagistrate,suchsuretyisanunfitperson.
49.Procedureonfailureofpersontogivesecurity
(1)Ifanypersonorderedtogivesecurityasaforesaiddoesnotgivesuchsecurityonorbefore
thedateonwhichtheperiodforwhichsuchsecurityistobegivencommences,heshall,exceptinthe
casementionedinsubsection(2)ofthissection,becommittedtoprison,or,ifheisalreadyinprison,be
detainedinprisonuntilsuchperiodexpiresoruntilwithinsuchperiodhegivesthesecuritytothecourt
ormagistratewhomadetheorderrequiringit.
(2)Whensuchpersonhasbeenorderedbyamagistratetogivesecurityforaperiodexceeding
oneyear,suchmagistrateshall,ifsuchpersondoesnotgivesuchsecurityasaforesaid,issueawarrant
directinghimtobedetainedinprisonpendingtheordersoftheHighCourt,andtheproceedingsshall
belaidassoonasconvenientlymaybebeforesuchcourt.
(3)TheHighCourt,afterexaminingsuchproceedingsandrequiringfromthemagistrateany
furtherinformationorevidencewhichitthinksnecessary,maymakesuchorderinthecaseasitthinks
fit.
(4)Theperiod,ifany,forwhichanypersonisimprisonedforfailuretogivesecurityinany
specifiedamountshallnotexceedthetermprescribedinrespectofalikesuminthescaleof
imprisonmentsetforthinsection390ofthisAct.
(5)Ifthesecurityistenderedtotheofficerinchargeoftheprison,heshallforthwithreferthe
mattertothecourtormagistratewhomadetheorderandshallawaittheorderofsuchcourtor
magistrate.
50.Powertoreleasepersonsimprisonedforfailuretogivesecurity
Wheneveramagistrateisofopinionthatanypersonimprisonedforfailingtogivesecuritymaybe
releasedwithouthazardtothecommunity,suchmagistrateshallmakeanimmediatereportofthecase
fortheorderoftheHighCourt,andsuchcourtmay,ifitthinksfit,ordersuchpersontobedischarged.
51.PowerofHighCourttocancelrecognisance
TheHighCourtmayatanytime,forsufficientreasonstoberecordedinwriting,cancelanyrecognisance
forkeepingthepeaceorforgoodbehaviourexecutedunderanyoftheprecedingsectionsbyorderof
anycourt.
52.Dischargeofsureties
(1)Anysuretyforthepeaceableconductorgoodbehaviourofanotherpersonmayatanytime
applytoamagistratetodischargeanyrecognisanceexecutedunderanyoftheprecedingsections
withinthedistricttowhichthemagistrateisassigned.
(2)Onsuchapplicationbeingmade,themagistrateshall,ifsatisfiedthereisgoodreasonforthe
application,issuehissummonsorwarrant,ashethinksfit,requiringthepersonforwhomsuchsuretyis
boundtoappearortobebroughtbeforehim.
(3)Whensuchpersonappearsorisbroughtbeforethemagistrate,suchmagistrate,after
hearingsuchperson,maydischargetherecognisanceandinsucheventordersuchpersontogive,for
theunexpiredportionofthetermofsuchrecognisance,freshsecurityofthesamedescriptionasthe
originalsecurity.Everysuchordershallforthepurposesofsections47,48,49and50ofthisActbe
deemedtobeanorderundersection44ofthisAct.
PART5
Preventiveactionofthepolice
53.Policetopreventoffencesandpreventinjurytopublicproperty
(1)Everypoliceofficermayinterposeforthepurposeofpreventing,andshalltothebestofhis
abilityprevent,thecommissionofanyoffence.
(2)Apoliceofficermayofhisownauthorityinterposetopreventanyinjuryattemptedtobe
committedinhisviewtoanypublicproperty,movableorimmovable,ortheremovaloforinjurytoany
publiclandmarkorbuoyorothermarkusedfornavigation.
54.Informationofdesigntocommitsuchoffences
Everypoliceofficerreceivinginformationofadesigntocommitanyoffenceshallcommunicatesuch
informationtothepoliceofficertowhomheissubordinate,andtoanyotherofficerwhosedutyitisto
preventortakecognisanceofthecommissionofanysuchoffence.
55.Arresttopreventsuchoffences
Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthisoranyotherwrittenlawrelatingtoarrest,apoliceofficer
knowingofadesigntocommitanyoffencemayarrest,withoutordersfromamagistrateandwithouta
warrant,thepersonsodesigning,ifitappearstosuchofficerthatthecommissionoftheoffencecannot
otherwisebeprevented.
CHAPTER2
Provisionsrelatingingeneraltoallcriminaltrialsandinquiries
PART6
Applicationandgeneral
56.ApplicationofChapter2
TheprovisionsofthisChaptershallapply,savewhenexpressprovisionismadethereininrespectofany
particularcourtorformoftrial,toallcriminaltrials,inquiriesandothercriminalproceedingsintheHigh
CourtandMagistrates'Courts.
57.Generalauthoritytobringpersonsbeforecourts
Everycourthasauthoritytocausetobebroughtbeforeitanypersonwhoiswithinthejurisdictionand
ischargedwithanoffencecommittedwithintheState,orwhich,accordingtolaw,maybedealtwithas
ifsuchoffencehasbeencommittedwithinthejurisdiction,andtodealwithsuchpersonaccordingto
law.
PART7
PART8
Thecomplainant,formofcomplaintandtimewithinwhichthecomplaintmustbemade
59.Rightofmakingcomplaint
(1)Anypersonmaymakeacomplaintagainstanyotherpersonallegedtohavecommittedorto
becommittinganoffence,unlessitappearsfromtheenactmentonwhichthecomplaintisfoundedthat
anycomplaintforsuchoffenceshallbemadeonlybyaparticularpersonorclassofpersons,inwhich
caseonlytheparticularpersonorapersonoftheparticularclassmaymakesuchacomplaint.
(2)Notwithstandinganythingtothecontrarycontainedinanyenactment,apoliceofficermay
makeacomplaintinacaseofassaulteventhoughthepartyaggrieveddeclinesorrefusestomakea
complaint.
60.Formandrequisitesofcomplaint
(1)Itshallnotbenecessarythatanycomplaintshallbeinwriting,unlessitisrequiredtobeso
bytheenactmentonwhichitisfounded,orbysomeotherenactment;andifacomplaintisnotmadein
writing,thecourtorregistrarshallreduceitintowriting.
(2)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsection23ofthisAct,everycomplaintmay,unlesssome
enactmentotherwiserequires,bemadewithoutoath.
(3)Everysuchcomplaintmaybemadebythecomplainantinperson,orbyalegalpractitioner
representinghim,orbyanypersonauthorisedinwritinginthatbehalf,andshallbeheardinprivate.
(4)Everysuchcomplaintshallbeforoneoffenceonly,butsuchcomplaintshallnotbeavoided
bydescribingtheoffenceoranymaterialactrelatingtheretoinalternativewordsaccordingtothe
languageoftheenactmentconstitutingsuchoffence.
61.Formofdocumentsincriminalproceedings
Everycomplaint,summons,warrantorotherdocumentlaid,issuedormadeforthepurposeoforin
connectionwithanyproceedingsbeforeacourtforanoffence,shallbesufficientifitcontainsa
statementofthespecificoffencewithwhichtheaccusedpersonischarged,togetherwithsuch
particularsasmaybenecessaryforgivingreasonableinformationastothenatureofthecharge.
62.Ruleastostatementofexception
Anyexception,exemption,proviso,condition,excuse,orqualification,whetheritdoesordoesnotin
anyenactmentcreatinganoffenceaccompanyinthesamesectionthedescriptionoftheoffence,may
beprovedbythedefendant,butneednotbespecifiedornegativedinthecomplaint,andifsospecified
ornegatived,noproofinrelationtothemattersospecifiedornegativedshallberequiredonthepartof
thecomplainant.
63.Limitationofperiodformakingaprivatecomplaint
Ineverycasewherenotimeisspeciallylimitedformakingacomplaintforasummaryconvictionoffence
intheenactmentrelatingtosuchoffence,suchcomplaintifmadeotherthanbyapersoninhisofficial
capacity,shallbemadewithinsixmonthsfromthetimewhenthematterofsuchcomplaintarose,and
notafter.
PART9
Placeoftrialorinquiry
Venue
64.Venue
SubjecttothepowersoftransfercontainedintheActorLawconstitutinganycourt,theplaceforthe
trialorinvestigationofoffencesbysuchcourtshallbeasfollows
Placewhereoffencescommitted
(a) anoffenceshallbetriedorinquiredintobyacourthavingjurisdictioninthedivisionordistrict
wheretheoffencewascommitted;
Whereactdoneorwhereconsequenceensues
(b) whenapersonisaccusedofthecommissionofanyoffencebyreasonofanythingwhichhas
beendone,orofanythingwhichhasbeenomittedtobedone,andofanyconsequenceswhich
hasensued,suchoffencemaybetriedorinquiredintobyacourthavingjurisdictioninthe
divisionordistrictinwhichanysuchthinghasbeendoneoromittedtobedone,oranysuch
consequenceshasensued;
Whenoffenceconstitutedbyrelationtoanotheroffence
(a) whenanactisanoffencebyreasonofitsrelationtoanyotheractwhichisalsoanoffence,a
chargeofthefirstmentionedoffencemaybetriedorinquiredintobyacourthavingjurisdiction
inthedivisionordistricteitherinwhichithappened,orinwhichtheoffence,withwhichitwas
soconnected,happened
Whenplaceuncertainoroffencedistributed
(i) whenitisuncertaininwhichofseveraldivisionsordistrictsanoffencewascommitted;
or
(ii) whenanoffenceiscommittedpartlyinonedivisionordistrictandpartlyinanother;or
(iii) whenanoffenceisacontinuingone,andcontinuestobecommittedinmoredivisions
ordistrictsthanone;or
(iv) whenitconsistsofseveralactscommittedindifferentdivisionsordistricts,
itmaybetriedorinquiredintobyacourthavingjurisdictioninanyofsuchdivisionsor
districts;
Offencescommittedonjourney
(d) anoffencecommittedwhiletheoffenderisinthecourseofperformingajourneyorvoyage,
maybetriedorinquiredintobyacourtinorthroughorintothedivisionordistrictofwhose
jurisdictiontheoffenderorthepersonagainstwhomorthethinginrespectofwhichthe
offencewascommittedresides,isorpassedinthecourseofthatjourneyorvoyage;
OffencesatseaoroutofNigeria
(e) anoffencecommittedatseaorelsewhereoutofNigeria,which,accordingtolaw,maybetried
orinquiredintoinNigeria,may,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection58ofthisAct,besotriedor
inquiredintoatanyplaceinNigeriatowhichtheaccusedpersonisfirstbrought,ortowhichthe
accusedmaybetakenthereafter.
64A.OffencesagainstFederallaws
WhereanoffenceagainstaFederallaw
(a) isbegunintheStateandcompletedinanotherState;or
(b) iscompletedintheStateafterbeingbeguninanotherState,
theoffendermaybedealtwith,triedandpunishedasiftheoffencehadbeenactuallyorwholly
committedintheState.
65.Judgetodecideincaseofdoubtofvenue
Wheneveranydoubtarisesastothemagistrate'scourtinwhichanyoffenceshallbeinquiredintoor
tried,ajudgeshall,upontheapplicationofamagistrateortheaccuseddecideinwhichmagistrate's
courttheoffenceshallbeinquiredintoortried.Anysuchdecisionofajudgeshallbefinaland
conclusiveexceptthatitshallbeopentoanaccusedpersontoshowthatnomagistrate'scourtinthe
Statehasjurisdictioninthecase.
66.ChiefJudgemaychangevenuebyorder
TheChiefJudgemay,byorderunderhishand,directthatapreliminaryinquiryshallbeheldbya
magistrateintoanycriminalchargeinrespectofanoffencesubjecttothejurisdictionoftheHighCourt
orcommittedbyapersonwhoissubjecttothejurisdictionoftheHighCourtbutwhichisallegedto
havebeencommittedoutsidethelimitsofthemagisterialdistrictofsuchmagistrate.
Remittingmagistrates
67.Accusedpersontoberemittedincertaincasestoanothermagistrate
(1)Amagistrate,inthisandinthenextsucceedingsectionreferredtoastheremitting
magistrate,beforewhomanypersonwhoiswithinthemagisterialdistrictofsuchmagistrateandis
chargedwithhavingcommittedanoffencewithinthemagisterialdistrictofanothermagistrateis
brought,shall,unlesshimselfauthorisedtoproceedinthecase,sendhimincustodytothecourtwithin
themagisterialdistrictinwhichtheoffencewascommitted,orrequirehimtogivesecurityforhis
surrendertosuchlastmentionedcourt,theretoanswerthechargeandtobedealtwithaccordingto
law.
Courtshavingconcurrentjurisdiction
(2)Ifsuchoffenceasismentionedinsubsection(1)ofthissectionshallhavebeencommittedin
adistrictwithinwhichoneormorecourtsshallhaveconcurrentjurisdiction,theremittingmagistrate
shall,unlesshimselfauthorisedtoproceedinthecase,sendthepersonchargedincustodytosuchone
ofthecourtshavingconcurrentjurisdictionascanmostconvenientlydealwiththecase,orrequirehim
togivesecurityforhissurrendertosuchlastmentionedcourt,theretoanswerthechargeandtobe
dealtwithaccordingtolaw.
Transmissionofdocuments
(3)Theremittingmagistrateshallsendtothecourttowhichthepersonchargedisremittedfor
trialanauthenticatedcopyoftheinformation,summons,warrant,andallotherprocessordocuments
inhispossession,relativetosuchperson.
68.Removalunderwarrant
Whereanypersonistobesentintocustody,awarrantshallbeissuedbytheremittingmagistrate,and
thatwarrantshallbesufficientauthoritytoanypersontowhomitisdirectedtoreceiveanddetainthe
personthereinnamed,andtocarryhimanddeliverhimuptothecourttowhichthepersonchargedis
remittedforpreliminaryinquiryortrial.Thepersontowhomthewarrantisdirectedshallexecuteit
accordingtoitstenorwithoutanydelay.
69.Transferofcasewherecauseofcomplainthasarisenoutofdistrictofcourt
(1)Ifthedefendantisincustodyandthemagistratedirectingsuchtransferthinksitexpedient
thatsuchcustodyshouldbecontinued,or,ifheisnotincustody,thatheshouldbeplacedincustody,
themagistrateshall,byhiswarrant,committhedefendanttoprisonuntilhecanbetakenbeforea
magistrateofthedistrictwhereinthecauseofcomplaintarose.
(2)Thecomplaintandrecognisance,ifany,takenbysuchfirstnamedmagistrateunderthe
provisionsofthisActshallbebyhimtransmittedtothemagistratebeforewhomthedefendantistobe
taken;andsuchcomplaintandrecognisance,ifany,shallbetreatedtoallintentsandpurposesasifthey
hadbeentakenbysuchlastmentionedmagistrate.
(3)Ifthedefendantisnotretainedorplacedincustodyasaforesaid,themagistrateshallinform
himthathehasdirectedthetransferofthecaseasaforesaid,andthereupontheprovisionsofthelast
precedingsubsection,relatingtothetransmissionanduseofthedocumentsinthecase,shallapply.
Assumptionofjurisdiction
70.Courtsmayassumejurisdictionundercertainconditions
(1)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsections64,65,and67ofthisAct,ajudgeormagistrateof
adivisionordistrictinwhichapersonisapprehendedwhoischargedwithanoffence,allegedtohave
beencommittedinanotherdivisionordistrict,may,ifheconsidersthattheendsofjusticewouldbe
betterservedbyhearingthechargeagainstsuchpersoninthedivisionordistrictinwhichhehasbeen
apprehendedandhavingregardtotheaccessibilityandconvenienceofthewitnesses,proceedtohear
thechargeandthepersonchargedmaybeproceededagainst,triedandpunishedinanydivisionor
districtinwhichhewasapprehended,orisincustodyonachargefortheoffence,orhasappearedin
answertoasummonslawfullyissuedchargingtheoffence,asiftheoffencehadbeencommittedinthat
divisionordistrict,andtheoffenceshall,forallpurposesincidentaltoorconsequentialonthe
prosecution,trialorpunishmentthereof,bedeemedtohavebeencommittedinthatdivisionordistrict:
Providedthat,ifatanytimeduringthecourseofanyproceedingstakenagainstanypersonbeforeany
courtinpursuanceofthissubsection,itappearstothecourtthattheaccusedwouldsufferhardshipif
hewereproceededagainstandtriedinthedivisionordistrictaforesaid,thecourtshallforthwith,but
withoutprejudicetoamagistrate'spowersundersection67ofthisAct,ceasetoproceedfurtherinthe
matterunderthissubsection.
(2)Whereanypersonischargedwithtwoormoreoffences,hemaybeproceededagainst,tried
andpunishedinrespectofallthoseoffencesinanydivisionordistrictinwhichhecouldbeproceeded
against,triedorpunishedinrespectofanyoneofthoseoffences,andalltheoffenceswithwhichthat
personischargedshall,forallpurposesincidentaltoorconsequentialontheprosecution,trialor
punishmentthereof,bedeemedtohavebeencommittedinthatdivisionordistrict.
71.Assumptionofjurisdictionaftercommencementofproceedings
Incaseanycauseiscommencedinanyotherdivisionordistrictthanthatinwhichitoughttohavebeen
commenced,thejudgeormagistrate,asthecasemaybe,mayassumejurisdictioninaccordancewith
theprovisionsofsection70andallactsperformedandalldecisionsgivenbythejudgeormagistrate
duringthetrialorinquiryshallbedeemedtobevalidinallrespectsasifthejurisdictionhadbeen
assumedpriortotheperformanceofthesaidactsandthegivingofthesaiddecisions.
PART10
Stateprocedure
PowersoftheAttorneyGeneral
72.InformationsbytheAttorneyGeneral
(1)NotwithstandinganythinginthisActcontained,theAttorneyGeneralineachStatemay
exhibittotheHighCourtinformationsforallpurposesforwhichtheAttorneyGeneralforEnglandmay
exhibitinformationsintheHighCourtofJusticeinEngland.
(2)Suchproceedingsmaybetakenuponeverysuchinformationasmaylawfullybetakeninthe
caseofsimilarinformationsfiledbytheAttorneyGeneralforEnglandsofarasthecircumstancesofthe
caseandthepracticeandprocedureoftheHighCourtwilladmit.
[L.N.112of1964.]
ControlofStateincriminalproceedings
73.Nolleprosequiincriminalcases
(1)InanycriminalproceedingsforanoffenceagainstalawoftheStateandatanystagethereof
beforejudgment,theAttorneyGeneraloftheStatemayenteranolleprosequi,eitherbystatingin
courtorinformingthecourtinwritingthattheStateintendsthattheproceedingsshallnotcontinueand
thereupontheaccusedshallbeatoncedischargedinrespectofthechargeorinformationforwhichthe
nolleprosequiisentered.
(2)Iftheaccusedhasbeencommittedtoprisonheshallbereleased,orifonbailthe
recognisancesshallbedischarged,and,wheretheaccusedisnotbeforethecourtwhensuchnolle
prosequiisentered,theregistrarorotherproperofficerofthecourtshallforthwithcausenoticein
writingoftheentryofsuchnolleprosequitobegiventotheofficerinchargeoftheprisonorother
placeinwhichtheaccusedmaybedetainedandsuchnoticeshallbesufficientauthoritytodischarge
theaccusedoriftheaccusedbenotincustodyshallforthwithcausesuchnoticeinwritingtobegivento
theaccusedandhissuretiesandshallineithercasecauseasimilarnoticeinwritingtobegiventoany
witnessesboundovertoprosecute.
(3)Whereanolleprosequiisenteredinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection,the
dischargeofanaccusedpersonshallnotoperateasabartoanysubsequentproceedingsagainsthimon
accountofthesamefacts.
74.Nolleprosequiincommittalcases
(1)InanyinquirywithrespecttoanoffenceagainstalawoftheStatebeforeamagistrateandat
anystagebeforeanorderofcommittalismade,theAttorneyGeneraloftheStatemayenteranolle
prosequibyeitherstatingincourtorbyinformingthemagistrateinwritingthattheStateintendsthat
theproceedingsshallnotcontinueandthereupontheaccusedshallbeatoncedischargedinrespectof
thechargeforwhichthenolleprosequiisentered.
(2)Where,followinganinquirybeforeamagistrate,anaccusedpersoniscommittedfortrial,
theAttorneyGeneraloftheStatemayatanytimeaftersuchcommittalandbeforethetrialofsuch
accusedperson,enteranolleprosequibyinforming,inwriting,thecourtbeforewhichsuchaccusedhas
beencommittedfortrialthattheStateintendsthattheproceedingsshallnotcontinueandthereupon
theaccusedshallbeatoncedischargeinrespectofthechargesforwhichthenolleprosequiisentered.
(3)Whereanolleprosequiisenteredunderthissection,theprovisionsofsubsection(2)of
section73ofthisActshallapplyandthecourtshallcausetheappropriateactiontobetaken.
(4)Whereanolleprosequiisenteredinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthissection,the
dischargeofanaccusedpersonshallnotoperateasabartoanysubsequentproceedingsagainsthimon
accountofthesamefacts.
75.Withdrawalsfromprosecutionintrialsandinquiriesbeforeamagistrate'scourt
(1)Inanytrialorinquirybeforeamagistrate'scourt,anyprosecutorwiththeconsentofthe
court,may,orontheinstructionoftheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateinthecaseofanoffenceagainsta
lawoftheState,shall,atanytimebeforejudgmentispronouncedoranorderofcommittalismade,
withdrawfromtheprosecutionofanypersoneithergenerallyorinrespectofoneormoreofthe
offenceswithwhichsuchpersonischargedanduponsuchwithdrawal
(a) ifitismadeinthecourseofanyinquiry,theaccusedpersonshallbedischargedin
respectofsuchoffence;or
(b) ifitismadeinthecourseofatrial
(i) beforetheaccusediscalledupontomakehisdefence,heshallbedischargedin
respectofsuchoffence;or
(ii) aftertheaccusedpersoniscalledupontomakehisdefence,heshallbe
acquittedinrespectofsuchoffence:
Providedthat,inanytrialbeforeamagistrateinwhichtheprosecutorwithdrawsinrespectofthe
prosecutionofanyoffencebeforetheaccusediscalledupontomakehisdefence,themagistratemayin
hisdiscretionordertheaccusedtobeacquittedifheissatisfieduponthemeritsofthecasethatsuch
orderisaproperoneandwhenanysuchorderofacquittalismadethemagistrateshallendorsehis
reasonsformakingsuchorderontherecord.
(2)Whereanyprivateprosecutorwithdrawsfromaprosecutionforanyoffenceunderthe
provisionsofthissection,themagistratemay,inhisdiscretion,awardcostsagainstsuchprosecutor.
(3)Adischargeofanaccusedpersonunderthissectionshallnotoperateasabartosubsequent
proceedingsagainsthimonaccountofthesamefacts.
76.DeletedbyL.N.65of1958.
76A.InsertedbyL.N.47of1955anddeletedbyL.N.65of1958.
PART11
Proceedingsingeneral
Institutionofproceedings
77.Differentmethodsofinstitutingcriminalproceedings
Subjecttotheprovisionsofanyotherenactment,criminalproceedingsmayinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofthisActbeinstituted
(a) inmagistrates'courts,onacomplaint,whetherornotonoath;and
(b) intheHighCourt
(i) byinformationoftheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofsection72ofthisAct;and
(ii) byinformationfiledinthecourtaftertheaccusedhasbeensummarilycommittedfor
perjurybyajudgeormagistrateundertheprovisionsofPart31ofthisAct;and
(iii) byinformationfiledinthecourtaftertheaccusedhasbeencommittedfortrialbya
magistrateundertheprovisionsofPart36ofthisAct;and
(iv) oncomplaint,whetheronoathornot.
78.Particularsofinstitutingcriminalproceedingsinmagistrates'courts
Whereproceedingsareinstitutedinamagistrate'scourt,theymaybeinstitutedineitherofthe
followingways
(a) uponcomplainttothecourt,whetherornotonoath,thatanoffencehasbeencommittedby
anypersonwhosepresencethemagistratehaspowertocompel,andanapplicationtosuch
magistrate,inthemannerhereinaftersetforthfortheissueofeitherasummonsdirectedto,or
warrantofarresttoapprehend,suchperson;or
(b) bybringingapersonarrestedwithoutawarrantbeforethecourtuponachargecontainedina
chargesheetspecifyingthenameandoccupationofthepersoncharged,thechargeagainsthim
andthetimeandplacewheretheoffenceisallegedtohavebeencommitted;andthecharge
sheetshallbesignedbythepoliceofficerinchargeofthecase.
79.Compellingappearanceofanaccusedperson
Amagistratemayissueasummonsorwarrantashereinafterprovidedtocompeltheappearancebefore
himofanypersonaccusedofhavingcommittedinanyplace,whetherwithinorwithoutNigeria,any
offencetriableintheState.
[1967No.19.]
80.Summonsandwarrant
Ineverycasethecourtmayproceedeitherbywayofsummonstothedefendantorbywayofwarrant
forhisapprehensioninthefirstinstance,accordingtothenatureandcircumstancesofthecase.
81.Makingofcomplaintandissueofprocessthereon
(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsection59ofthisAct,anypersonwhobelievesfroma
reasonableorprobablecausethatanoffencehasbeencommittedbyanypersonwhoseappearancea
magistratehaspowertocompel,maymakeacomplaintthereoftoamagistratewhoshallconsiderthe
allegationsofthecomplainantandmay,inhisdiscretion,refusetoissueprocessrecordinghisreasons
forsuchrefusal,ormayissueasummonsorwarrantasheshalldeemfittocompeltheattendanceof
theaccusedpersonbeforeamagistrate'scourtinthedistrict.
(2)Themagistrateshallnotrefusetoissuesuchsummonsorwarrantonlybecausethealleged
offenceisoneforwhichanoffendermaybearrestedwithoutwarrant.
82.Issueandserviceonanyday
AsummonsmaybeissuedorservedonanydayincludingaSundayorpublicholiday.
Enforcingappearanceofdefendant
Issueofsummons
83.Issueofsummonsandcontentsthereof
Whereuponacomplaintbeingmadebeforeamagistrateasprovidedinsection81ofthisActthe
magistratedecidestoissueasummonsinthefirstinstance,suchmagistrateshallissueasummons
directedtothepersoncomplainedagainst,statingconciselythesubstanceofsuchcomplaintand
requiringhimtoappearatacertaintimeandplacebeingnotlessthan48hoursaftertheserviceofsuch
summonsbeforethecourttoanswertothesaidcomplaintandtobefurtherdealtwithaccordingto
law.
84.Hearingbyconsentbeforereturndateofsummons
Thecourtmay,ifitthinksfitandwiththeconsentoftheparties,hearanddetermineacomplaint
notwithstandingthatthetimewithinwhichthedefendantwasrequiredtoappearmaynothave
elapsed.
85.Summonswithimmediatereturndateinspecialcircumstances
Whereuponacomplaintbeingmadebeforeamagistrateasprovidedinsection81ofthisActthe
magistratedecidestoissueasummonsinthefirstinstance,theaccusedmaybedirectedtoappear
forthwithincaseswhereanaffidavitismadebythecomplainanteitheratthetimeofmakingthe
complaintorsubsequentlythatsuchdefendantislikelytoleavethedistrictwithin48hours.
86.Discretioninexparteapplications
Nothingcontainedinsection83,84or85ofthisActshallobligeanymagistratetoissueanysuch
summonsinanycasewheretheapplicationforanordermaybylawbemadeexparte.
Formandserviceofsummons
87.Summonstobeinduplicate
EverysummonsissuedbyacourtunderthisActshallbeinwriting,induplicate,signedbythepresiding
officerofsuchcourtorbysuchotherofficerastheChiefJudgemayfromtimetotimeprescribe.
88.Serviceofsummons
Everysummonsshallbeservedbyapoliceofficerorbyanofficerofthecourtissuingitorotherpublic
servant.
89.Normalmethodsofeffectingservice
Thepersoneffectingserviceofasummonsshalleffectitbydeliveringit
Onanindividual
(a) ifonanindividual,tohimpersonally;or
Onafirmorcorporation
(b) ifonafirmorcorporation
(i) tooneofthepartners;or
(ii) toadirector;or
(iii) tothesecretary;or
(iv) tothechiefagentwithinthejurisdiction;or
(v) byleavingthesameattheprincipalplaceofbusinessinNigeriaofthefirmor
corporation;or
(vi) toanyonehaving,atthetimeofservice,controlofthebusinessorthefirmor
corporation;
Onalocalgovernmentcouncil
(c)ifonalocalgovernmentcouncil,theninaccordancewiththelocalgovernmentlawofthe
State.
90.Servicewherepersonsummonedcannotbefound
Ifserviceinthemannerprovidedbyparagraph(a)ofsection89ofthisActcannotbytheexerciseofdue
diligencebeeffected,theservingofficermay,withleaveofthecourt,affixoneoftheduplicatesofthe
summonstosomeconspicuouspartofthepremisesorplaceinwhichtheindividualtobeserved
ordinarilyresides,andthereuponthesummonsshallbedeemedtohavebeendulyserved.
91.Serviceongovernmentservant
Wherethepersonsummonedisintheserviceofgovernment,thecourtissuingthesummonsmaysend
itinduplicatetotheheadofficerofthedepartmentinwhichsuchpersonisemployedforthepurpose
ofbeingservedonsuchperson,ifitshallappeartothecourtthatitmaybemostconvenientlyso
served,andsuchheadofficershallthereuponcausethesummonstobeservedinthemannerprovided
byparagraph(a)ofsection89ofthisActandshallreturntheduplicatetothecourtunderhissignature,
withtheendorsementrequiredbysection93ofthisAct.Suchsignatureshallbeevidenceoftheservice.
92.Serviceoutsidelocaldivisionordistrict
Whereacourtdesiresthatasummonsissuedbyitshallbeservedatanyplaceoutsidethedivisionor
districtinwhichitisissued,thecourtshallsendsuchsummonsinduplicatetoacourtwithinthedivision
ordistrictinwhichthepersonsummonedresidesoristobethereserved.
93.Proofofservicewhenservingofficernotpresent
(1)Wheretheofficerwhoservedasummonsisnotpresentatthehearingofthecase,proofof
suchservice,ifwithinthedivisionordistrictofthecourtissuingthesummons,maybebyendorsement
ontheduplicateofsuchsummonsandwhenservicehasbeeneffectedwithoutthedivisionordistrictof
theissuingcourt,proofofserviceshallbebyaffidavitmadebeforeamagistrateorotherprescribed
personandsuchendorsementandaffidavitshallformpartoftherecord.
(2)Suchendorsementandaffidavitshallshowthemannerinwhichsuchsummonswasserved
andinthecaseofanaffidavitmaybeattachedtotheduplicateofthesummonsandreturnedtothe
issuingcourt.
94.Receiptofserviceofsummons
Whereasummonshasbeenserveduponthepersontowhomitisaddressedorisdeliveredtoany
otherperson,thepersontowhomitisaddressedorthepersontowhomitishanded,asthecasemay
be,shallsignareceiptthereforonthebackoftheduplicate.Whereservicesisnoteffectedbyhanding
thesummonstoanindividualbutbysomeothermethodapprovedbythisAct,thepersoneffecting
serviceshallendorseontheduplicateparticularsofthemethodbywhichhehaseffectedservice.
95.Personrefusingtogivereceiptmaybeapprehended
Everypersonwhoisrequiredtosignareceiptonthebackofaduplicatesummonstotheeffectthathe
hasreceivedthesummonsandfailstosignsuchreceipt,maybearrestedbythepersonservingthe
summonsandtakenbeforethecourtwhichissuedthesummonsandmaybedetainedincustodyor
committedinprisonforsuchtimenotexceedingfourteendaysasthecourtmaythinknecessary.
Warrantissuedifsummonsdisobeyed
96.Summonsdisobeyed,warrantmayissue
Ifthecourtissatisfiedthattheaccusedhasbeenservedwithasummonsandtheaccuseddoesnot
appearatthetimeandplaceappointedinandbythesummonsandhispersonalattendancehasnot
beendispensedwithundersection100ofthisAct,thecourtmayissueawarranttoapprehendhimand
causehimtobebroughtbeforesuchcourt.
Issueofwarrantofarrestoncomplaintonoath
97.Issueofwarrantfordefendantinthefirstinstance
Whereuponacomplaintbeingmadebeforeamagistrateasprovidedinsection23ofthisActsuch
magistratedecidestoissueawarrantinthefirstinstance,suchmagistrateshallissueawarrantto
apprehendthepersoncomplainedagainstandtobringhimbeforethecourttoanswerthesaid
complaintandbedealtwithaccordingtolaw.
98.Applicationofsections22to31tosuchwarrant
Whereawarrantofarrestisissuedinconsequenceofacomplaintonoathasaforesaid,theprovisions
ofsections22to31ofthisActshallapplytosuchwarrant.
99.Warrantmayissuebeforeorafterreturndateofsummons
Notwithstandingtheissueofasummonsasinsection81provided,awarrantmaybeissuedatanytime
beforeorafterthetimeappointedfortheappearanceoftheaccused.
Dispensingwithpresenceofaccused
100.Powertodispensewithpersonalattendanceofaccusedincertaincases
(1)Wheneveramagistrateissuesasummonsinrespectofanyoffencetowhichthereis
annexedapenaltynotexceedingonehundrednaira(N100)orimprisonmentnotexceedingsixmonths
orbothsuchpenaltyandimprisonment,themagistratemay,ontheapplicationoftheaccusedandifhe
seesreasontodosoandshall,onsuchapplicationwhentheoffencewithwhichtheaccusedischarged
ispunishableonlybyapenaltynotexceedingonehundrednaira(N100),dispensewiththepersonal
attendanceoftheaccusedprovidedthattheaccusedpleadsguiltyinwritingorappearsandsopleadsby
alegalpractitioner.
(2)Themagistratetryinganycaseinwhichthepresenceoftheaccusedhasbeendispensedwith
may,inhisdiscretion,atanysubsequentstageoftheproceedings,directthepersonalattendanceofthe
accusedand,ifnecessary,enforcesuchattendancebymeansoftheissueofawarranttoapprehendthe
accusedandbringhimbeforethecourt.
(3)Ifamagistrateimposesafineonanaccusedpersonwhosepersonalattendancehasbeen
dispensedwithunderthissection,themagistratemayatthesametimeprovideeitherthatifthefinebe
notpaidwithinastatedtime,theamountshallberecoveredbydistress,orthattheaccusedshallbe
imprisonedforaperiodcalculatedinaccordancewiththeprovisionscontainedinsection390forthe
nonpaymentofafine.
(4)If,inanycaseinwhichunderthissectiontheattendanceofanaccusedpersonisdispensed
with,previousconvictionsareallegedagainstsuchpersonandarenotadmittedinwritingorthrough
suchperson'slegalpractitioner,themagistratemayadjourntheproceedingsanddirectthepersonal
attendanceoftheaccusedand,ifnecessary,enforcesuchattendanceinthesamemannerasin
subsection(2)ofthissection.
(5)Whenevertheattendanceofanaccusedhasbeensodispensedwithandhisattendanceis
subsequentlyrequired,thecostofanyadjournmentforsuchpurposeshallbeborneinanyeventbythe
accused.
PART12
Miscellaneousprovisionsregardingprocess
Irregularities
101.Irregularityinsummons,warrant,service,orarrest
Whenanyaccusedpersonisbeforeamagistrate,whethervoluntarily,oruponsummons,orafterbeing
apprehendedwithorwithoutwarrantorwhileincustodyforthesameoranyotheroffence,the
preliminaryinquiryortrialmaybeheldnotwithstandinganyirregularity,illegality,defect,orerrorinthe
summonsorwarrant,ortheissuing,service,orexecutionofthesame,andnotwithstandingthewantof
anycomplaintuponoath,andnotwithstandinganydefectinthecomplaint,oranyirregularityor
illegalityinthearrestorcustodyoftheaccusedperson.
102.Variationbetweenchargeandcomplaint
Novariancebetweenthechargecontainedinthesummonsorwarrantandtheoffenceallegedinthe
complaint,orbetweenanyofthemandtheevidenceadducedonthepartoftheprosecution,shall
affectthevalidityofanyproceedingsatorsubsequenttothetrialorpreliminaryinquiry.
103.Processvalidnotwithstandingdeathorvacationofofficeofpersonissuing
Asummons,warrantofanydescriptionorotherprocessissuedunderanywrittenlaw,shallnotbe
invalidatedbyreasonofthepersonwhosignedthesamedying,ceasingtoholdofficeorhave
jurisdiction.
Savingofvalidityofprocess
104.Validityofprocess
Thefollowingprovisionsshallhaveeffectinrespectofwarrantsofcommitmentandwarrantsof
distress
Warrantofcommitment
(a) awarrantofcommitmentshallnotbeheldvoidbyreasononlyofanydefecttherein,ifitis
thereinallegedthattheoffenderhasbeenconvicted,ororderedtodoorabstainfromdoing
anyactorthingrequiredtobedoneorleftundone,andthereisagoodandvalidordertosustainthe
same;
Warrantofdistress
(b) awarrantofdistressshallnotbeheldvoidbyreasononlyofanydefecttherein,ifitis
thereinallegedthatanorderhasbeenmade,andthereisagoodandvalidorderto
sustainthesame;andapersonactingunderawarrantofdistressshallnotbedeemeda
trespasserfromthebeginningbyreasononlyofanydefectinthewarrantorofany
irregularityintheexecutionofthewarrant;butthisenactmentshallnotprejudicethe
rightofanypersontosatisfactionforanyspecialdamagecausedbyanydefectinor
irregularityintheexecutionofawarrantofdistress.
105.Generaladdresseeofprocessforissueandexecution
(1)Inadditiontotheprovisionsofsections25to27ofthisActinrespectofwarrantsofarrest,
allsummonses,warrantsofeverydescriptionandprocessofwhateverdescriptionshallbesufficiently
addressedforserviceorexecutionbybeingdirectedtothesheriff.
(2)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsection(1)ofthissection,anysuchdocumentmaybe
addressedtoapersonbynameortoanofficerbyhisofficialdesignation.
(3)Whereawarrantofarrestisaddressedtothesheriff,suchwarrantmaybeexecutedbyany
policeofficerorofficerofacourt.
106.Certainprovisionsapplicabletoallsummonsesandwarrantsincriminalmatters
Theprovisionscontainedinsections22,24,and28ofthisActinrespectofwarrantsofarrest,andthe
provisionscontainedinthisPartrelatingtosummonses,warrantsofanydescriptionandotherprocess
andtheirissue,service,enforcementandexecutionshall,sofarasmaybe,applytoeverysummonses,
warrantofanydescriptionandotherprocessissuedinrespectofmatterswithinthecriminaljurisdiction
ofthecourtunderanywrittenlaw.
PART13
Searchwarrant
Issueandexecution
107.Casesinwhichsearchwarrantsmaybeissued
(1)Whereamagistrateissatisfiedbyinformationuponoathandinwritingthatthereis
reasonablegroundforbelievingthatthereisintheStateinanybuilding,ship,carriage,receptacleor
place
(a) anythinguponorinrespectofwhichanyoffencehasbeenorissuspectedtohavebeen
committed;or
(b) anythingwhichthereisreasonablegroundforbelievingwillaffordevidenceastothe
commissionofanyoffence;or
(c) anythingwhichthereisreasonablegroundforbelievingisintendedtobeusedforthe
purposeofcommittinganyoffence,
themagistratemayatanytimeissueawarrant,calledasearchwarrant,authorisinganofficerofthe
court,memberofthepoliceforce,orotherpersonthereinnamed
(i) tosearchsuchbuilding,ship,carriage,receptacleorplaceforanysuchthing,
andtoseizeandcarrysuchthingbeforethemagistrateissuingthesearch
warrantorsomeothermagistratetobedealtwithaccordingtolaw;and
(ii) toapprehendtheoccupierofthehouseorplacewherethethingwasfoundif
themagistratethinksfitsotodirectonthewarrant.
(2)Inthissectionandsection108ofthisAct,"offence"includesanoffenceagainstalawofany
otherStateofNigeriawhichwouldbepunishableintheStateifithadbeencommittedinthatState.
108.Dischargeofsuspectedperson
Iftheoccupierofanybuildingorthepersoninwhosepossessionanythingnamedinasearchwarrantis
found,isbroughtbeforeamagistrateandcomplaintisnotmadethathehascommittedanoffence,he
shallforthwithbedischargedbysuchmagistrate.
109.Searchwarranttobesignedbymagistrate
(1)Everysearchwarrantshallbeunderthehandofthemagistrateissuingthesame.
(2)Everysuchwarrantshallremaininforceuntilitisexecutedoruntilitiscancelledbythe
courtwhichissuedit.
110.Searchwarranttowhomdirected
Asearchwarrantmaybedirectedtooneormorepersonsandwhendirectedtomorethanoneitmay
executedbyallorbyoneormoreofthem.
111.Timewhensearchwarrantmaybeissuedandexecuted
(1)AsearchwarrantmaybeissuedandexecutedonanydayincludingaSundayorpublic
holiday.Itshallbeexecutedbetweenthehoursoffiveo'clockintheforenoonandeighto'clockatnight
butthecourtmay,initsdiscretion,authorisebythewarranttheexecutionofthewarrantatanyhour.
(2)Whereamagistrateauthorisestheexecutionofasearchwarrantatanyhourotherthan
betweenthehoursoffiveo'clockintheforenoonandeighto'clockatnight,suchauthorisationmaybe
containedinthewarrantatthetimeofissueormaybeendorsedthereonbyanymagistrateatanytime
thereafterpriortoitsexecution.
112.Personinchargeofclosedplacetoallowingress
(1)Wheneveranybuildingorotherthingorplaceliabletosearchisclosed,anypersonresiding
inorbeinginchargeofsuchbuilding,thingorplaceshall,ondemandofthepoliceofficerorother
personexecutingthesearchwarrant,allowhimfreeingresstheretoandaffordallreasonablefacilities
forasearchtherein.
(2)Ifingressintosuchbuilding,thingorplacecannotbesoobtained,thepoliceofficerorother
personexecutingthesearchwarrantmayproceedinthemannerprescribedbysections7and8ofthis
Act.
(3)Whenanypersoninoraboutsuchbuilding,thingorplaceisreasonablysuspectedof
concealingabouthispersonanyarticleforwhichsearchshouldbemade,suchpersonmaybesearched.
Ifthepersontobesearchedisawoman,sheshall,ifpracticable,besearchedbyanotherwomanand
maybetakentoapolicestationforthatpurpose.
Detentionanddisposalofarticleseized
113.Detentionofarticlesseized
Whenupontheexecutionofasearchwarrantanythingreferredtoinsection107ofthisActisseized
andbroughtbeforeanymagistrate,hemaydetainorcauseittobedetained,takingreasonablecare
thatitispreserveduntiltheconclusionofthetrialandifanypersoniscommittedfortrial,orifany
appealismade,hemayorderitfurthertobedetainedinsuchmannerandplaceandbysuchpersonas
hemaydirectforthepurposeofthetrialorpendingthehearingoftheappeal.Ifnopersonis
committedfortrialornoappealismade,themagistrateshall,exceptinthecaseshereinafter
mentioned,unlessheisauthorisedorrequiredbylawtodisposeofitotherwise,direct
(a) thatthepropertyorapartthereofberestoredtothepersonwhoappearstothe
magistratetobeentitledthereto,andifhebethepersoncharged,thatitberestored
eithertohimortosuchotherpersonasthepersonchargedmaydirect;or
(b) thatthepropertyorapartthereofbeappliedtothepaymentofanycostsor
compensationdirectedtobepaidbythepersoncharged.
114.Perishablearticlesmaybedisposedofbycourt
Whereanythingseizedunderasearchwarrantandbroughtbeforeamagistrateisofaperishableor
noxiousnature,suchthingmaybedisposedofforthwithinsuchmannerasthecourtmaydirect.
115.Searchforanddisposalofgunpowder
Ifthethingtobesearchedforunderasearchwarrantisgunpowderoranyotherexplosiveordangerous
ornoxioussubstanceorthing,thepersonmakingthesearchshallhavethepowersandprotectionasare
givenbyanywrittenlawforthetimebeinginforcetoanypersonlawfullyauthorisedtosearchforany
suchthing,andthethingitselfshallbedisposedofinthesamemannerasdirectedbyanysuchwritten
law,or,indefaultofsuchdirection,astheCommissionerofPoliceoftheStatemayeithergenerallyorin
anyparticularinstanceorder.
116.Destructionofforgedbanknotes
If,inconsequenceoftheexecutionofasearchwarrant,thereisbroughtbeforeanymagistrateany
forgedbanknote,banknotepaper,instrument,orotherthing,thepossessionofwhich,intheabsenceof
lawfulexcuse,isanindictableoffenceaccordingtoanyenactmentforthetimebeinginforce,thejudge,
ifsuchpersoniscommittedfortrial,or,ifthereisnocommitmentfortrial,themagistrate,maycause
suchthingtobedefacedordestroyed.
117.Disposalofcounterfeitcoinandcertainotherthings
If,underanysuchwarrant,thereisbroughtbeforeanymagistrateanycounterfeitcoinorotherthing,
thepossessionofwhich,withknowledgeofitsnatureandwithoutlawfulexcuse,isanindictable
offenceaccordingtoanyenactmentforthetimebeinginforce,everysuchthingshallbedeliveredupto
theCommissionerofPoliceoftheStateortoanypersonauthorisedbyhimtoreceivethesame,assoon
asithasbeenproducedinevidenceandisnolongerrequiredassuchorassoonasitappearsthatitwill
notberequiredtobesoproduced:
Providedthatamagistratemayinhisdiscretion,insteadofsodeliveringupsuchcoinsorthings,
orderthattheybedestroyedinhispresence.
117A.TransmissiontocourtofotherState
WhereasearchwarrantisissuedinrespectofanoffenceagainstthelawofanyotherStateofNigeria
andasummonshasbeenissuedforthatoffenceby,oranypersonhasbeenchargedwiththatoffence
before,acourtofthatState,themagistrateissuingthesearchwarrantmay,unlesshehasdisposedof
thethinginaccordancewithsection114ofthisAct,transmitanythingseizedandbroughtbeforehimto
thatcourtandinrelationtoanythingsotransmittedthefunctionsconferreduponamagistrateby
sections113,114,116and117ofthisActshallbeexercisedandperformedbythatcourtinsteadofby
themagistratewhoissuedthesearchwarrant.
Disposalofcertainexhibits
117B.Controlledsubstances
(1)Forthepurposesofthissectionandsections117C,117DofthisAct,acontrolledsubstance
is
[1970No.40.]
(a) asubstancementionedinPartAoftheSecondScheduletotheFoodandDrugsAct;or
[Cap.F32.]
(b) asubstancedeclaredbytheMinisterbyorderintheFederalGazetteorbycertificate
underhishandtobeacontrolledsubstancesforsuchpurposes.
(2)Anorderorcertificatemadeorgivenundersubsection(1)(b)ofthissectionshallnotbe
invalidatedbyreasonofthefactthat
(a) ithasretrospectiveeffect;or
(b) itrelatestoanexhibitproducedinanycriminalproceedingswhichwereinstitutedor
concludedbeforethedatewhentheorderorcertificatewasmadeorgiven,orbefore
thecommencementofthissectionorofsections117C,117DofthisAct.
117C.Disposalofcertainexhibitswherenoconviction
(1)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofanylawtothecontrary,where
[1970No.48.]
(a) criminalproceedingsinstitutedforanyallegedoffencedonotresultintheconvictionof
theaccusedperson;and
(b) anycontrolledsubstancehasbeenproducedtothecourtasanexhibitinthe
proceedings,
thecourt,iftheprosecutormakesapplicationinthatbehalf,shallorderthecontrolledsubstancetobe
confiscated.
(2)Whereanorderismadeunderthissectioninrespectofanycontrolledsubstance,the
controlledsubstanceshallbehandedovertotheNigeriaPoliceanddisposedofastheMinistermay
direct.
(3)Anypersonaggrievedbyanordermadeunderthissection,maywithinfifteendaysofthe
makingoftheorderappealinwritingtotheMinister,whomaydisposeoftheappealhimselforreferit
fordisposaltoanypersonorpersonsappearingtohimtobesuitable.
(4)Themakingofanorderunderthissectionshallnotbeaffectedbythefactthatanappealto
acourthavingappellatejurisdictionhasbeenormaybeinstitutedinconnectionwiththerelevant
proceedings,andnosuchjurisdictionshallincludepowertovary,cancelorotherwiseaffecttheorder.
117D.Transitionalprovisions,etc.
(1)Anapplicationmaybemadeundersection117CofthisActinrelationtoanycontrolled
substancenotwithstandingthattherelevantproceedingswereconcludedbeforethecommencementof
sections117Band117CofthisAct,andonanysuchapplication,thecourtshallmakeanorderunderthe
saidsection117CofthisActaccordingly,unlessatthetimeoftheapplicationthecontrolledsubstance
inquestionisnolongerinthecontrolofthecourt.
[1970No.48.]
(2)Forthepurposesofsections117Band117CofthisAct
"Minister"meanstheMinisterchargedwiththeresponsibilityforinternalaffairs.
PART14
Provisionsastobailandrecognisancesgenerally
118.WhenbailmaybegrantedbyHighCourtonly
(1)Apersonchargedwithanyoffencepunishablewithdeathshallnotbeadmittedtobail,
exceptbyajudgeoftheHighCourt.
Whendiscretionary
(2)Whereapersonischargedwithanyfelonyotherthanafelonypunishablewithdeath,the
courtmay,ifitthinksfit,admithimtobail.
Whentobeordinarilygranted
(3)Whenapersonischargedwithanyoffenceotherthanthosereferredtointhetwolast
precedingsubsections,thecourtshalladmithimtobail,unlessitseesgoodreasontothecontrary.
119.Bailinrespectofmattersotherthanoffences
Whereanypersonisbroughtbeforeacourtonanyprocessinrespectofanymatternotincludedwithin
section118ofthisAct,suchpersonmay,inthediscretionofthecourt,bereleaseduponhisentering,in
themannerhereinafterprovided,intoarecognisanceconditionedforhisappearingbeforesuchcourtor
anyothercourtatthetimeandplacementionedintherecognisance.
120.Amountofbail
Theamountofbailtobetakeninanycaseshallbeinthediscretionofthecourtbywhomtheorderfor
thetakingofsuchbailismade,shallbefixedwithdueregardtothecircumstancesofthecaseandshall
notbeexcessive.
121.Recognisanceinrespectofminors
Whereinanycasethepersoninrespectofwhomthecourtmakesanorderrequiringthata
recognisancebeenteredintoisaminor,theminorshallnotexecutetherecognisancebutthecourtshall
requireaparent,legalguardianorotherfitperson,withorwithoutsureties,toenterintoa
recognisancethattheminorshalldowhatisrequiredunderthecourt'sorder.
122.Sureties
Anaccusedadmittedtobailmayberequiredtoproducesuchsuretyorsuretiesas,intheopinionofthe
courtadmittinghimtobail,willbesufficienttoensurehisappearanceasandwhenrequiredandshall
withhimorthementerintoarecognisanceaccordingly.
123.Admissiontobailafteritsrefusal
AjudgeoftheHighCourtmay,ifhethinksfit,admitanypersonchargedbeforeacourtintheState
subjecttothejurisdictionoftheHighCourttobailalthoughthecourtbeforewhomthechargeismade
hasnotthoughtfittodoso.
124.Noticeofrighttoapplyforbail
Whereamagistrate,afterapreliminaryinquiry,commitsapersonfortrialanddoesnotadmithimto
bail,themagistrateshallinformthepersonsocommittedofhisrighttoapplyforbailtoajudgeofthe
HighCourt.
125.Judgemayvarybailfixedbymagistrateorpolice
Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsections119and120ofthisAct,ajudgeoftheHighCourtmayinany
casedirectthatanypersonincustodyintheStatebeadmittedtobailorthatthebailrequiredbya
magistrate'scourtorpoliceofficerbereduced.
126.Beforewhomrecognisancemaybeexecuted
When,asrespectsanyrecognisance,thecourthasfixedtheamountinwhichthesureties,ifany,areto
bebound,therecognisanceneednotbeenteredintobeforethesaidcourt,butmaybeenteredintoby
thepartiesbeforeanyothercourt,orbeforeanyregistrar,orbeforeanysuperiorofficerofpoliceor
officerinchargeofapolicestation,orwhereanyofthepartiesisinaGovernmentprisonbeforethe
superintendentorotherpersoninchargeofsuchprison,andthereuponalltheconsequencesoflaw
shallensueandtheprovisionsofthisActwithrespecttorecognisancesbeforeacourtshallapplyasif
therecognisance,hadbeenenteredintobeforethesaidcourt.
127.Modeofenteringintorecognisance
Where,asaconditionofthereleaseofanyperson,heisrequiredtoenterintoarecognisancewith
sureties,therecognisancesofthesuretiesmaybetakenseparatelyandeitherbeforeorafterthe
recognisanceoftheprincipal,andifsotaken,therecognisancesoftheprincipalandsuretiesshallbeas
bindingasiftheyhadbeentakentogetherandatthesametime.
128.Continuousbail
Whereapersonisremandedonbail,therecognisancemaybeconditionedforhisappearanceatevery
timeandplacetowhich,duringthecourseoftheproceedings,thehearingmaybefromtimetotime
adjourned,withoutprejudice,however,tothepowerofthecourttovarytheorderatanysubsequent
hearing.
129.Dischargefromcustody
(1)Wheretheenteringintoofarecognisanceisaconditionofthereleaseofanyperson,that
personshallbereleasedassoonastherecognisancehasbeenenteredintoandifheisinprisonor
policecustody,thecourtshallissueanorderofreleasetotheofficerinchargeoftheprisonorother
placeofdetentionandsuchofficeronreceiptoftheordershallreleasehim.
(2)Nothinginthissectionorinanyothersectionrelatingtobailshall,bedeemedtorequirethe
releaseofanypersonliabletobedetainedforsomematterotherthanthatinrespectofwhichthe
recognisancewasenteredintoortowhichthebailrelates.
130.Personboundbyrecognisanceabscondingmaybecommittedtoprison
Ifitismadetoappeartoanycourtbyinformationonoathbyacomplainant,suretyorotherpersonthat
anypersonboundbyrecognisancetoappearbeforeanycourtorpoliceofficerisabouttoleaveNigeria,
or,forthepurposeofevadingjustice,isabouttoleaveorhasleftthedivisionordistrictofthecourt
beforewhichheistoappearorinwhichhenormallyresides,thecourtmaycausehimtobearrested
andmaycommithimtoprisonuntilthetrialorpreliminaryinquiry,unlessthecourtshallseeitfitto
admithimtobailuponfurtherrecognisance.
131.Reconsiderationofamountofbailonapplicationbylawofficerorpolice
Whereanaccusedpersonhasbeenadmittedtobailandcircumstancesarisewhich,iftheaccused
personhadnotbeenadmittedtobailwould,intheopinionofalawofficerorpoliceofficer,justifythe
courtinrefusingbailorinrequiringbailofgreateramount,ajudgeormagistrate,asthecasemaybe,
may,onthecircumstancesbeingbroughttohisnoticebyalawofficerorpoliceofficer,issuehiswarrant
forthearrestoftheaccusedpersonand,aftergivingtheaccusedpersonanopportunityofbeingheard,
mayeithercommithimtoprisontoawaittrialoradmithimtobailforthesameoranincreasedamount
asthejudgeormagistratemaythinkjust.
[L.N.112of1964.]
132.Powertorevokeorrequirehigherbail
(1)Whereanaccusedpersonwhohasbeenadmittedtobailbyamagistrateisindictedbyalaw
officerforanoffencewhichisnotbailablebyamagistrate,themagistrateshall,onbeinginformedof
thefactbyanysuperiorpoliceofficer,issuehiswarrantforthearrestoftheaccusedpersonandcommit
himtoprisoninthesamemannerasifhehadbeenoriginallycommittedfortrialfortheoffencefor
whichheisindicted.
(2)Forthepurposesofthissection,apersonshallbedeemedtobeindictedwhenthe
informationagainsthimhasbeenfiledinaHighCourt.
133.Variationofarecognisanceifsuretyunsuitable
Ifatanytimeafterarecognisancehasbeenenteredinto,itappearstothecourtthatforanyreasonthe
suretyorsuretiesareunsuitable,suchcourtmayissueasummonsorwarrantfortheappearanceofthe
principal,anduponhiscomingtothecourtmayorderhimtoexecuteafreshrecognisancewithother
suretyorsureties,asthecasemaybe.
134.Dischargeofsuretiesforappearanceofanother
(1)Anysuretyfortheappearanceofapersonmayatanytimeapplytothecourttodischarge
therecognisanceeitherwhollyorsofarasitappliestotheapplicant.
(2)Onsuchapplicationbeingmade,thecourtshallissueawarrantofarrestdirectingthatthe
principaltotherecognisancebebroughtbeforethecourt.
(3)Ontheappearanceofsuchprincipalpursuanttothewarrant,oronhisvoluntarysurrender,
thecourtshalldirecttherecognisancetobedischargedeitherwhollyorsofarasitrelatestothe
applicantorapplicantsandshallcalluponthepersonpreviouslyboundtofindothersufficientsuretyor
suretiesandenterintoafreshrecognisanceandifhefailstodoso,maydealwithhiminthesame
mannerasifhewereapersonwhohasfailedtocomplywithanordertoenterintoarecognisance,with
orwithoutsureties,asthecasemaybe.
135.Orderoffreshsecurityuponoriginalorder
Whenanysuretytoarecognisancebecomesinsolventordiesorwhenanyrecognisanceisforfeited
undertheprovisionsofsection137ofthisAct,thecourtmayorderthepersonfromwhomsuch
recognisancewasdemandedtofurnishfreshsecurityinaccordancewiththedirectionsoftheoriginal
orderand,ifsuchsecurityisnotfurnished,suchcourtmayproceedasiftherehadbeendefaultin
complyingwithsuchoriginalorder.
136.Suretydying,estatedischarged
Whereasuretytoarecognisancediesbeforetherecognisanceisforfeited,hisestateshallbedischarged
fromallliabilityinrespectoftherecognisance.
137.Forfeitureofrecognisance
WhereitisprovedtothesatisfactionofacourtthatarecognisanceenteredintounderChapters1to11
inclusiveofthisActhasbeenforfeited,thecourtshallrecordthefactsandbyorderdeclarethe
recognisancetobeforfeited.
138.Mitigationofforfeiture
Thecourtmayatanytimecancelormitigatetheforfeiture,uponthepersonliableunderthe
recognisanceapplyingandgivingsecurity,tothesatisfactionofthecourt,forthefutureperformanceof
theconditionoftherecognisanceandpaying,orgivingsecurityforthepaymentofthecostsincurredin
respectoftheforfeitureoruponsuchotherconditionsasthecourtmaythinkjust.
139.Forfeitureonconviction
(1)Wherearecognisancetokeepthepeaceandtobeofgoodbehaviourornottodoorcommit
someactorthing,hasbeenenteredintobyanypersonasprincipalorassuretybeforeacourt,acourt
may,uponproofoftheconvictionofthepersonboundasprincipalbysuchrecognisanceofanyoffence
whichisbylawabreachoftheconditionofthesame,byorder,adjudgesuchrecognisancetobe
forfeitedandadjudgethepersonsboundthereby,whetherasprincipalorassuretiesoranyofsuch
personstopaythesumsforwhichtheyarerespectivelybound.
(2)Acertifiedcopyofthejudgmentofthecourtbywhichsuchpersonwasconvictedofsuch
offencemaybeusedasevidenceinproceedingsunderthissectionand,ifsuchcertifiedcopyissoused,
thecourtshallpresumesuchoffencewascommittedbysuchpersonuntilthecontraryisproved.
140.Whererecognisanceforfeitedwarrantmayissue
Whereanyrecognisanceisdeclaredoradjudgedtobeforfeited,thecourthavingjurisdictionoverthe
matterofthecomplaintmay,forthwithoratanytimeaftersuchdeclaration,issueawarrantof
commitmentagainstanypersonliable,whetherasprincipalorsuretyundersuchrecognisance,forany
termnotexceedingthetermprescribedinrespectofalikesuminthescaleofimprisonmentsetforthin
section390ofthisAct,withorwithouthardlabour,unlesstheamountdueundersuchrecognisanceis
soonerpaid.
141.Paymentonrecognisance
Allsumspaidorrecoveredinrespectofanyrecognisancedeclaredoradjudgedbyacourtinpursuance
ofsection140ofthisActtobeforfeited,shallbepaidtotheproperofficerofthecourt.
142.Appeal
Anyorderofforfeituremadeundersection137or139ofthisAct,shallbesubjecttoappealinthecase
ofamagistrate'sordertotheHighCourtandinthecaseofthejudge'sordertotheCourtofAppeal.
[L.N.112of1964.]
143.Arrestonbreachofrecognisanceforappearance
WhenanypersonwhoisboundbyanyrecognisanceenteredintounderthisActtoappearbeforea
court,doesnotsoappear,theofficerpresidinginsuchcourtmayissueawarrantdirectingthatsuch
personbearrestedandbroughtbeforehim.
PART15
Bringingbeforecourtofpersonincustody
144.Powerofcourttoorderprisonertobebroughtbeforeit
(1)Whereanypersonforwhoseappearanceorarrestacourtisempoweredtoissueasummons
orwarrantisconfinedinanyprison,thecourtmayissueanordertotheofficerinchargeofsuchprison
requiringhimtocausesuchprisonertobebroughtinpropercustodyatatimetobenamedintheorder
beforesuchcourt.
(2)Theofficersoincharge,onreceiptofsuchorder,shallactinaccordancetherewithandshall
provideforthesafecustodyoftheprisonerduringhisabsencefromtheprisonforthepurpose
aforesaid.
PART16
Formsinrespectofsummonses,warrants,recognisancesandothersimilarprocess
145.UseofformsinFirstSchedule
Subjecttotheexpressprovisions,ifany,oftherules,theformscontainedintheFirstScheduletothis
Actmay,inaccordancewithanyinstructionscontainedinthesaidforms,andwithsuchvariationsasthe
circumstancesoftheparticularcasemayrequire,beusedinthecasestowhichtheyapply,and,whenso
used,shallbegoodandsufficientinlaw.
[FirstSchedule.]
PART17
ProvisionsrelatingtopropertyandpersonsOwnershipofproperty
146.Methodsofstatingownershipofproperty
Whereinanycomplaint,summons,warrantofanydescription,chargesheet,informationorany
documentwhatsoeverissuedbyacourtintheexerciseofitscriminaljurisdictionitisnecessarytorefer
totheownershipofanyproperty,whethermovableorimmovable,whichbelongstoorisinthe
possessionofmorethanoneperson,thefollowingprovisionsshallapply
Jointowners
(a) ifthepropertybelongedtoorwasinthepossessionofmorethanoneperson,whether
aspartnersintradeorotherwise,jointtenants,tenantsincommonorotherjoint
ownersorpossessors,itmaybedescribedinthenameofanyoneofsuchpersonsand
anotherorothers;
Jointstockcompanies,companiesandassociations
(b) propertyofajointstockcompany,company,association,cluborsocietyhavingarecognised
manager,agentorsecretaryinNigeriamay,subjecttotheprovisionsofanyotherwrittenlaw,
bedescribedasthepropertyofsuchmanager,agentorsecretarywithoutnamingsuch
manager,agentorsecretary,oralternativelythepropertyofanyjointstockcompany,company,
association,cluborsocietywhichhasalegalorregisteredtitle,maybedeclaredasbelongingto
suchjointstockcompany,company,association,cluborsocietybyitslegalorregisteredtitle;
Publicdepartment
(c) propertybelongingtoorprovidedfortheuseofanypublicestablishment,serviceor
department,maybedescribedasthepropertyoftheState;
[L.N.112of1964.]
Placesofworship
(d) whereitisnecessarytostatetheownershipofanychurch,chapel,mosqueorbuildingorplace
setapartforreligiousworshiporofanythingbelongingtoorbeinginthesame,itmaybestated
thatsuchchurch,chapel,mosque,orbuildingorplace,orsuchthing,isthepropertyofany
clergyman,ministerorotherpersonofficiatingthereinorofthechurchwardenor
churchwardensofsuchchurch,chapelorbuildingorplace,withoutitsbeingnecessarytoname
himorthem;
Thecontrolofpublicofficers
(e) whereitisnecessarytostatetheownershipofanymoneyorotherpropertywhatsoeverinthe
charge,custody,orunderthecontrolofanypublicofficer,suchmoneyorpropertymaybe
statedtobethemoneyorpropertyoftheState;
Publicbuildingworksorinstitutions
(f) whereitisnecessarytostatetheownershipofanyworkorbuildingmade,erectedor
maintained,eitherwhollyorinpart,attheexpenseofthepublicrevenueofNigeriaorofany
partthereoforofanytownship,town,orvillagethereoforofanylocalgovernment,orof
anythingbelongingtoorbeinginorusedinrelationtothesame,orofanythingprovidedforthe
useofanypartorofanypublicinstitutionorestablishment,orofanymaterialsortools
providedorusedforrepairinganysuchworkorbuildingoranypublicroadorhighway,orofany
otherpropertywhatsoever,whethermovableorimmovable,asaforesaid,itshallbesufficient
tostatethatsuchpropertyisthepropertyoftheStateorthetownship,town,orvillage,orof
anylocalgovernment,asthecasemaybe,withoutnaminganyoftheinhabitantsofanysuch
areasorjurisdictions;
Marriedwomen
(g) propertybelongingtoawomanwhohascontractedamarriagerecognisedasavalid
monogamousmarriageunderEnglishlaworwhohascontractedamarriageundertheMarriage
Actmaybestatedasbelongingtosuchmarriedwoman.
[Cap.M6.]
147.Descriptionofpersonsincriminalprocess
Whereinanycomplaint,summons,warrantofanydescription,chargesheet,informationorany
documentwhatsoeverissuedbyacourtintheexerciseofitscriminaljurisdiction,itisnecessarytorefer
toanypersonthedescriptionordesignationofthatpersonshallbesuchasisreasonablysufficientto
identifyhim,withoutnecessarilystatinghiscorrectname,orhisabode,style,degree,oroccupation,
andif,owingtothenameofthepersonnotbeingknownorforanyotherreason,itisimpracticableto
givesuchadescriptionordesignation,suchdescriptionordesignationshallbegivenasisreasonably
practicableinthecircumstances,orsuchpersonmaybedescribedas"apersonunknown":
[IndictmentRules,1915,r.7.]
Providedthat,nopersonwhoisaccusedofanoffenceshallbedescribedas"apersonunknown"except
inthecaseofaverdictfounduponacoroner'sinquisition.
Rightsofmarriedwomeninrespectofseparateestate
148.Remediesofmarriedwomanagainstherhusbandandothersinrespectofproperty
EverywomanwhohascontractedamarriagerecognisedasavalidmonogamousmarriageunderEnglish
laworwhohascontractedamarriageundertheMarriageActshallhaveinherownnameagainstall
personswhatsoever,includingthehusbandofsuchmarriage,subjectasregardherhusbandtothe
provisohereinaftercontained,thesameremediesandredressbywayofcriminalproceedingsforthe
protectionandsecurityofherownseparatepropertyasifsuchpropertybelongedtoherasan
unmarriedwoman:
Providedthat,anyproceedingbyonespouseagainsttheothershallbegovernedbythe
provisionsofsection36oftheCriminalCodeAct.
[Cap.C38.]
149.Husbandandwifecompetentwitnesses
Inanyproceedingstakenundertheprovisionsofsection148ofthisAct,thehusbandandwifeshallbe
competentandcompellablewitnessesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart9oftheEvidenceAct.
PART18
Thecharge
Formofandjoinderofoffencesandpersons
150.FormofchargesinSecondScheduletobeusedandadapted
ChargesmaybeasintheformssetoutintheSecondScheduleofthisAct,andmaybemodifiedinsuch
respectasmaybenecessarytoadaptthemtothecircumstancesofeachcase.
[SecondSchedule.]
151.Formofcharge
(1)Everychargeshallstatetheoffencewithwhichtheaccusedischargedandifthewrittenlaw
creatingtheoffencegivesitanyspecificname,theoffencemaybedescribedinthechargebythatname
only.
(2)Ifthewrittenlawwhichcreatestheoffencedoesnotgiveanyspecificname,somuchofthe
definitionoftheoffenceshallbestatedastogivetheaccusednoticeofthematterwithwhichheis
charged.
(3)Thewrittenlawandthesectionofthewrittenlawagainstwhichtheoffenceissaidtohave
beencommitted,shallbesetoutinthecharge.
(4)Thefactthatachargeismadeisequivalenttoastatementthateverylegalcondition
requiredbylawtoconstitutetheoffencechargedwasfulfilledintheparticularcase.
[IndictmentRules,1915,r.11.]
(5)Iftheaccusedhaspreviouslybeenconvictedofanyoffenceanditisintendedtoprovesuch
previousconvictionforthepurposeofaffectingthepunishmentwhichthecourtmayaward,the
subsequentoffenceshallfirstbechargedandthen,ifthepreviousoffenceisone,whichunderthe
provisionsofanywrittenlawmaybesocharged,astatementofsuchpreviousoffencecontainingthe
fact,dateandplaceofsuchpreviousconvictionshallbeadded:
Providedthat,whenthetrialisbeforeajudgeandjuryorajudgewithassessors,thestatement
ofsuchpreviousoffenceshallnotbereadoutorchargedsaveinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
152.Particularsincharge
(1)Thechargeshallcontainsuchparticularsastothetimeandplaceoftheoffenceandthe
person,ifany,againstwhomorthething,ifany,inrespectofwhichitwascommittedasarereasonably
sufficienttogivetheaccusednoticeofthematterwithwhichheischarged.
(2)Wheretheaccusedischargedwithcriminalbreachoftrust,fraudulentappropriationof
property,fraudulentfalsificationofaccountsorfraudulentconversion,itshallbesufficienttospecifythe
grosssuminrespectofwhichtheoffenceisallegedtohavebeencommittedandthedatesbetween
whichtheoffenceisallegedtohavebeencommitted,withoutspecifyingparticularitemsorexactdates
andthechargesoframedshallbedeemedtobeachargeofoneoffencewithinthemeaningofsection
56ofthisAct.
(3)Theparticularsinthechargeshalldescribetheoffenceshortlyinordinarylanguageavoiding
asfaraspossibletheuseoftechnicalterms.
(4)Wherethenatureoftheoffenceissuchthattheparticularsrequiredbysection151ofthis
Actandsubsections(1)to(3)ofthissectiondonotgivetheaccusedsufficientnoticeofthematterwith
whichheischarged,thechargeshallalsocontainsuchparticularsofthemannerinwhichtheoffence
wascommittedaswillbesufficientforthatpurpose.
153.Senseofwordsusedincharge
(1)Ineverycharge,wordsusedindescribinganoffenceshallbedeemedtohavebeenusedin
thesenseattachedtothemrespectivelyinthewrittenlawcreatingsuchoffence.
(2)Figuresandabbreviationsmaybeusedforexpressinganythingwhichiscommonlyexpressed
thereby.
154.Ownershipordescriptionofproperty
(1)Thedescriptionofpropertyinachargeshallbeinordinarylanguageandsuchastoindicate
withreasonableclearnessthepropertyreferredtoandifthepropertyissodescribeditshallnotbe
necessary,exceptwhenrequiredforthepurposeofdescribinganoffencedependingonanyspecial
ownershipofpropertyorspecialvalueofproperty,tonamethepersontowhomthepropertybelongs
orthevalueoftheproperty.
Jointowners
(2)Wherepropertyisvestedinmorethanonepersonandtheownersofthatpropertyare
referredtointhecharge,thepropertymaybedescribedasbeingownedinaccordancewiththe
appropriateprovisionsetoutinsection146ofthisAct.
Coinandbankorcurrencynotes
(3)Coinandbankorcurrencynotesmaybedescribedasmoney,andanyavermentastoany
money,sofarasregardsthedescriptionoftheproperty,shallbesustainedbyproofofanyamountof
coinorofanybankorcurrencynote,althoughtheparticularspeciesofcoinofwhichsuchamountwas
composedortheparticularnatureofthebankorcurrencynoteshallnotbeproved,andincasesof
stealinganddefraudingbyfalsepretences,byproofthattheaccuseddishonestlyappropriatedor
obtainedanycoinoranybankorcurrencynote,oranyportionofthevaluethereof,althoughsuchcoin
orbankorcurrencynotemayhavebeendeliveredtohiminorderthatsomepartofthevaluethereof
shouldbereturnedtothepartydeliveringthesameortoanyotherperson,andsuchpartshallhave
beenreturnedaccordingly.
Proofofregisteredtitle
(4)Wheretheownershipofanypropertyisdescribedunderparagraph(b)ofsection146ofthis
Actasbeinginanyjointstockcompany,company,association,cluborsocietybyitsregisteredtitle,
proofoftheregistrationofthecompany,association,cluborsocietyshallnotberequired,unlessthe
courtdecidesthatsuchproofshallbegiven,inwhichcasethefurtherhearingmaybeadjournedforthe
purposeorthecourtmay,initsdiscretion,amendtheproceedingsbysubstitutingthenameofsome
personorpersonsforsuchregisteredtitle.
Provisionastostatutoryoffences(IndictmentRules,1915,r.5.)
(5) (a)Whereawrittenlawconstitutinganoffencestatestheoffencetobetheomissiontodo
anyoneofanydifferentactsinthealternative,orthedoingortheomissiontodoanyactin
anyoneofanydifferentcapacities,orwithanyoneofanydifferentintentions,orstatesanypart
oftheoffenceinthealternative,theacts,omission,capacities,orintentions,orothermatters
statedinthealternativeinthewrittenlaw,maybestatedinthealternativeinthecharge.
(b) Itshallnotbenecessaryinanychargewheretheoffenceisoneconstitutedbyawrittenlawto
negativeanyexceptionorexemptionfromorqualificationtotheoperationofthewrittenlaw
creatingtheoffence.
(6)Thedescriptionordesignationoftheaccusedinachargeorofanyotherpersontowhom
referenceismadethereinmaybedescribedinthemannersetforthinsection147ofthisAct.
Descriptionofdocument(IndictmentRules,1915,r.8.)
(7)Whereitisnecessarytorefertoanydocumentorinstrumentinacharge,itshallbe
sufficienttodescribeitbyanynameordesignationbywhichitisusuallyknown,orbythepurport
thereof,withoutsettingoutanycopythereof.
Generalruleastodescription(IndictmentRules,1915,r.9.)
(8)SubjecttoanyotherprovisionsofthisAct,itshallbesufficienttodescribeanyplace,time,
thing,matter,act,oromissionwhatsoevertowhichitisnecessarytoreferinanychargeinordinary
languageinsuchamannerastoindicatewithreasonableclearnesstheplace,time,thing,matter,act,or
omissionreferredto.
Statementofintention(IndictmentRules,1915,r.10.)
(9)Itshallnotbenecessaryinstatinganyintenttodefraud,deceiveorinjuretostateanintent
todefraud,deceiveorinjureanyparticularperson,wherethewrittenlawcreatingtheoffencedoesnot
makeanintenttodefraud,deceiveorinjureaparticularpersonanessentialingredientoftheoffence.
155.Whenpersonsmaybechargedjointly
Whenmorepersonsthanoneareaccusedofthesameoffenceorofdifferentoffencescommittedinthe
sametransactionorwhenapersonisaccusedofcommittinganoffenceandanotherofabettingor
beingaccessorytoorattemptingtocommitsuchoffenceorwhenapersonisaccusedofanyoffenceof
theft,criminalmisappropriation,criminalbreachoftrustandanotherofreceivingorretainingor
assistinginthedisposalorconcealmentofthesubjectmatterofsuchoffence,theymaybechargedand
triedtogetherorseparatelyasthecourtthinksfit.
156.Separatechargesfordistinctoffences
Foreverydistinctoffencewithwhichanypersonisaccusedthereshallbeaseparatechargeandevery
suchchargeshallbetriedseparatelyexceptinthecasesmentionedinsections157to161ofthisAct.
157.Threeoffenceswithintwelvemonthsmaybechargedtogether
(1)Whenapersonisaccusedofmoreoffencesthanonecommittedwithintheperiodoftwelve
monthsfromthefirsttothelastofsuchoffences,whetherinrespectofthesamepersonorthingornot,
hemaybechargedwithandtriedatonetrialforanynumberofthemnotexceedingthree.
(2)Anyoffenceshallbedeemedtobeanoffenceofthesamekindasanattempttocommit
suchanoffencewheresuchattemptisitselfanoffence.
158.Trialformorethanoneoffence
Ifinoneseriesofactsoromissionssoconnectedtogetherastoformthesametransactionorwhich
formorarepartofaseriesofoffencesofthesameorasimilarcharacter,moreoffencesthanoneare
committedbythesameperson,chargesforsuchoffences,whetherfelonies,misdemeanoursorsimple
offences,maybejoinedandthepersonaccusedtriedthereforatonetrial.
159.Offencesfallingwithintwodefinitions
Iftheactsoromissionsallegedconstituteanoffencefallingwithintwoormoreseparatedefinitionsin
anywrittenlawforthetimebeinginforceunderwhichoffencesaredefinedorpunished,theperson
accusedofthemmaybechargedwithandtriedatonetrialforeachofsuchoffences.
160.Actsconstitutingoneoffencebutconstitutingwhencombinedadifferentoffence
Ifseveralactsoromissions,ofwhichoneormorethanonewouldbyitselforthemselvesconstitutean
offence,constitute,whencombined,adifferentoffence,thepersonaccusedofthemmaybecharged
withandtriedatonetrialfortheoffenceconstitutedbysuchactsoromissionswhencombinedorfor
anyoffenceconstitutedbyanyoneormoreofsuchacts.
161.Whereitisdoubtfulwhichoffencehasbeencommitted
Ifasingleactoromissionorseriesofactsoromissionsisofsuchanaturethatitisdoubtfulwhichof
severaloffencesthefactswhichcanbeprovedwillconstitute,theaccusedmaybechargedwithhaving
committedalloranyofsuchoffencesandanynumberofsuchchargesmaybetriedatonceorhemay
bechargedinthealternativewithhavingcommittedsomeoneofthesaidoffences.
Variationsofcharge
162.Procedureonimperfectcharge
Whenanypersonisarraignedfortrialonanimperfectorerroneouscharge,thecourtmaypermitor
directtheframingofanewchargeoraddtoorotherwisealtertheoriginalcharge.
163.Courtmayaltercharge
Anycourtmayalteroraddtoanychargeatanytimebeforejudgmentisgivenorverdictreturnedand
everysuchalterationoradditionshallbereadandexplainedtotheaccused.
164.Procedureonalterationofcharge
(1)Ifanewchargeisframedoralterationmadetoachargeundertheprovisionsofsection162
orsection163ofthisAct,thecourtshallforthwithcallupontheaccusedtopleadtheretoandtostate
whetherheisreadytobetriedonsuchchargeoralteredcharge.
(2)Iftheaccuseddeclaresthatheisnotready,thecourtshallconsiderthereasonshemaygive
andifproceedingimmediatelywiththetrialisnotlikelyintheopinionofthecourttoprejudicethe
accusedinhisdefenceortheprosecutorinhisconductofthecase,thecourtmayproceedwiththetrial
asiftheneworalteredchargehadbeentheoriginalcharge.
(3)Iftheneworalteredchargeissuchthatproceedingimmediatelywiththetrialislikely,inthe
opinionofthecourt,toprejudicetheaccusedortheprosecutor,thecourtmayeitherdirectanewtrial
oradjournthetrialforsuchperiodasthecourtmayconsidernecessary.
(4)Whereachargeissoamended,anoteoftheorderforamendmentshallbeendorsedonthe
charge,andthechargeshallbetreatedforthepurposeofallproceedingsinconnectiontherewithas
havingbeenfiledintheamendedform.
165.Recallofwitnesseswhenchargealtered
Whenachargeisalteredbythecourtafterthecommencementofthetrial,theprosecutorandthe
accusedshallbeallowedtorecallorresummonanywitnesswhomayhavebeenexaminedand
examineorcrossexaminesuchwitnesswithreferencetosuchalteration.
166.Effectoferror
Noerrorinstatingtheoffenceortheparticularsrequiredtobestatedinthechargeandnoomissionto
statetheoffenceorthoseparticularsshallberegardedatanystageofthecaseasmaterial,unlessthe
accusedwasinfactmisledbysucherrororomission.
167.Objectiontochargetobetakenatplea
Anyobjectiontoachargeforanyformaldefectonthefacethereofshallbetakenimmediatelyafterthe
chargehasbeenreadovertotheaccusedandnotlater.
168.Objectionscuredbyverdict
Nojudgmentshallbestayedorreversedonthegroundofanyobjectionwhich,ifstatedafterthecharge
wasreadovertotheaccusedorduringtheprogressofthetrial,mighthavebeenamendedbythecourt
nor
(a) becauseofanyerrorcommittedinsummoningorswearingthejuryorassessorsorany
ofthem;nor
(b) becauseanypersonwhohasserveduponthejuryorasanassessorwasnotqualifiedto
sitasajurororassessor;nor
(c) becauseofanyobjectionwhichmighthavebeenstatedasagroundofchallengeofany
juror,norforanyinformalityinswearingajurororwitnessoranyofthem;nor
(d) becauseofanyvariancebetweenthechargeoranyprocessrelatingtheretoandthe
evidenceadducedinsupportofthechargeastothetimeatwhichthecauseof
complaintisallegedtohavearisen,ifitisprovedthatsuchcomplaintwasinfactmade
withinthetime,ifany,limitedbylawformakingthesame;nor
(e) becauseofanyvariancebetweenthechargeoranyprocessrelatingtheretoandthe
evidenceadducedinsupportofthechargeastotheplaceinwhichthecauseof
complaintisallegedtohavearisen;nor
(f) becauseofanyallegeddefectinsubstanceorinformbetweenanycomplaint,warrant
orotherprocessrelatingtothechargeandtheevidenceadducedinrespectofthe
charge.
Convictionofoneofseveraloffencesandofoffencesnotspecificallycharged
169.Fulloffencechargedattemptproved
Whereapersonischargedwithanoffencebuttheevidenceestablishesanattempttocommitthe
offence,hemaybeconvictedofhavingattemptedtocommitthatoffencealthoughtheattemptisnot
separatelycharged.
170.Attemptchargefulloffenceproved
Whereapersonischargedwithanattempttocommitanoffencebuttheevidenceestablishesthe
commissionofthefulloffence,theaccusedpersonshallnotbeentitledtoanacquittalbuthemaybe
convictedoftheattemptandpunishedaccordingly.
171.Liabilityastofurtherprosecution
Whereapersonhasbeenconvictedofanattemptundereithersection169or170ofthisAct,such
personshallnotsubsequentlybeliabletobeprosecutedfortheoffenceforwhichhewasconvictedof
attemptingtocommit.
171A.Onchargeofanoffence,convictionasaccessoryafterthefacttothatorconnectedoffencemay
follow
Whereapersonischargedwithanoffenceandtheevidenceestablishesthathebecameanaccessory
afterthefacttothatoffenceortosomeotheroffenceofwhichapersonchargedwiththefirst
mentionedoffencemaybeconvictedbyvirtueofanyofsections169,170and172to179ofthisAct,he
maybeconvictedasanaccessoryafterthefacttothatoffenceorthatotheroffence,asthecasemay
be,andbepunishedaccordingly.
[1966No.84.]
172.Persontriedformisdemeanournottobeacquittediffelonyproved,unlesscourtsodirect
Ifuponthetrialofanypersonforamisdemeanourorsimpleoffenceitshallappearthatthefacts
provedinevidenceamountinlawtoafelony,suchpersonshallnotbyreasonthereofbeentitledtobe
acquittedofsuchmisdemeanourorsimpleoffenceandnopersontriedforsuchmisdemeanouror
simpleoffenceshallbeliabletobeafterwardsprosecutedforfelonyonthesamefacts,unlessthecourt
shallthinkfit,initsdiscretion,tostopthetrialandifitisacasetriedwithajurytodischargethejury
fromgivinganyverdictandtodirectsuchpersontobeindictedorchargedforfelony,inwhichcasesuch
personmaybedealtwithinallrespectsasifhehadnotbeenputuponhistrialforsuchmisdemeanour
orsimpleoffence.
173.Convictionofkindredoffencesrelatingtoproperty
Whereapersonischargedwithanyofthefollowingoffences,thatistosay
[1966No.84.]
(a) stealinganyproperty,contrarytosection390oftheCriminalCode;
[Cap.C38.]
(b) obtainingorinducingthedeliveryofanypropertybyafalsepretence,andwithintentto
defraud,contrarytosection419oftheCriminalCode;
(c) obtainingorinducingthedeliveryorpaymentofanypropertyormoneybymeansofa
fraudulenttrickordevice,contrarytosection421oftheCriminalCode;
(d) receivinganypropertyobtainedbymeansofanactconstitutingafelonyor
misdemeanour,contrarytosection427oftheCriminalCodeAct,
andtheevidenceestablishesthecommissionbyhimwithrespecttothesamepropertyofanyotherof
thoseoffences,hemaybeconvictedofthatotheroffencealthoughhewasnotchargedtherewith.
174.Personschargedwithburglarymaybeconvictedofkindredoffence
(1)IfonanytrialforanyoftheoffencesmentionedinChapter37oftheCriminalCodeAct,the
factsprovedinevidencejustifyaconvictionforsomeotherofthesaidoffencesandnottheoffence
wherewiththedefendantischarged,hemaybefoundguiltyofthesaidotheroffenceandthereuponhe
shallbepunishedasifhehadbeenconvictedonachargeoraninformationcharginghimwithsuch
offence.
(2)Deletedby1966No.84.
(3)Deletedby1966No.84.
175.Onchargeofrapeconvictionundersection221ofCap.C38orofindecentassaultmayfollow
Ifonanytrialforrapeorfordefilementofagirlundertheageofthirteenyears,thefactsprovedin
evidenceauthorisedaconvictionundersection221oftheCriminalCodeorforanindecentassaultand
nottheoffencewherewiththeaccusedischarged,hemaybeconvictedofanoffenceundersection221
oftheCriminalCodeorofindecentassault,asthecasemaybe,andthereuponheshallbepunishedasif
hehadbeenconvictedonachargeoraninformationcharginghimwithsuchoffenceorindecent
assault.
[Cap.C38.]
176.Onchargeundersection221ofCap.C38convictionofindecentassaultmayfollow
Ifonanytrialforanoffenceundersection221oftheCriminalCode,thefactsprovedinevidence
warrantaconvictionforanindecentassaultandnottheoffencewherewiththeaccusedischarged,the
accusedmaybeconvictedofindecentassaultalthoughhewasnotchargedwiththatoffence.
177.Wheremurderorinfanticideischargedandconcealmentofbirthisproved
Whereuponthetrialofanypersonforthemurderofanychildorforinfanticide,itappearsuponthe
evidencethatsuchpersonwasnotguiltyofmurderorofinfanticide,asthecasemaybe,butwasguilty
oftheoffencespecifiedinsection329oftheCriminalCode,suchpersonmaybefoundguiltyofthat
offence.
178.Wheremurderischargedandinfanticideproved
(1)Whereuponthetrialofawomanforthemurderofhernewlybornchild,itappearsupon
theevidencethathavingregardtotheprovisionsofsection327AoftheCriminalCodeshewasnot
guiltyofmurderbutwasguiltyofinfanticide,shemaybefoundguiltyofinfanticide.
[Cap.C38.]
(2)Nothinginsubsection(1)ofthissectionshallpreventawomanwhoistriedforthemurderof
hernewlybornchildfrom
(a) beingconvictedofmanslaughter;or
(b) beingfoundguiltyofconcealmentofbirthinpursuanceofsection177ofthisAct;or
(c) beingacquitteduponthegroundthatbyvirtueofsection28or29oftheCriminalCode
shewasnotcriminallyresponsible,andbeingdealtwithundersection230ofthisAct.
179.Whereoffenceprovedisincludedinoffencecharged
(1)Inadditiontotheprovisionshereinbeforespecificallymade,wheneverapersonischarged
withanoffenceconsistingofseveralparticulars,acombinationofsomeonlyofwhichconstitutesa
completelesseroffenceinitselfandsuchcombinationisprovedbuttheremainingparticularsarenot
proved,hemaybeconvictedofsuchlesseroffenceormaypleadguiltytheretoalthoughhewasnot
chargedwithit.
(2)Whenapersonischargedwithanoffenceandfactsareprovedwhichreduceittoalesser
offence,hemaybeconvictedofthelesseroffencealthoughhewasnotchargedwithit.
Withdrawalofremainingcharges
180.Withdrawalofremainingchargesonconvictionononeofseveralcharges
(1)Whenmorechargesthanonearemadeagainstapersonandaconvictionhadbeenhadon
oneormoreofthemtheprosecutormay,withtheconsentofthecourt,withdrawtheremainingcharge
orchargesorthecourt,ofitsownmotion,maystaythetrialofsuchchargeorcharges.
(2)Suchwithdrawalshallhavetheeffectofanacquittalonsuchchargeorchargesunlessthe
convictionwhichhasbeenhadissetaside,inwhichcase,subjecttoanyorderofthecourtsettingaside
suchconviction,thecourtbeforewhichthewithdrawalwasmademay,ontherequestofthe
prosecutor,proceeduponthechargeorchargessowithdrawn.
PART19
Previousacquittalsorconvictions
180A.Interpretation
InthisPartofthisAct,
offence"includesanoffenceagainstthelawofanyotherStateofNigeria.
181.Personconvictedoracquittednottobetriedagainforsameorkindredoffence
(1)Withoutprejudicetosection171ofthisAct,apersonchargedwithanoffence(inthissection
referredtoas"theoffencecharged")shallnotbeliabletobetriedthereforifitisshown
(a) thathehaspreviouslybeenconvictedoracquittedofthesameoffencebyacompetent
court;or
(b) thathehaspreviouslybeenconvictedoracquittedbyacompetentcourtonacharge
onwhichhemighthavebeenconvictedoftheoffencecharged;or
(c) thathehaspreviouslybeenconvictedoracquittedbyacompetentcourtofanoffence
otherthantheoffencecharged,beinganoffenceofwhich,apartfromthissection,he
mightbeconvictedbyvirtueofbeingchargedwiththeoffencecharged.
(2)Nothinginsubsection(1)ofthissectionshallprejudicetheoperationofanylawgivingpower
toanycourt,onanappeal,tosetasideaverdictorfindingofanyothercourtandorderaretrial.
182.Maybetriedagainonseparatechargeincertaincases
Apersonacquittedorconvictedofanyoffencemayafterwardsbetriedforanydistinctoffencefor
whichaseparatechargemighthavebeenmadeagainsthimontheprevioustrialundertheprovisionsof
183.Consequencessuperveningornotknownatprevioustrial
Apersonacquittedorconvictedofanyoffenceconstitutedbyanyactoromissioncausingconsequences
whichtogetherwithsuchactoromissionconstituteadifferentoffencefromthatforwhichhewas
acquittedorconvictedmay,afterwardsbetriedforsuchlastmentionedoffence,iftheconsequences
hadnothappenedorwerenotknowntothecourttohavehappenedatthetimewhenhewasacquitted
orconvicted,whensuchconsequencescreatetheoffenceofmurderormanslaughter.
184.Wherecourtatfirsttrialwasnotcompetent
Apersonacquittedorconvictedofanyoffenceconstitutedbyanyactoromissionmay,notwithstanding
suchacquittalorconviction,besubsequentlychargedwithandtriedforthesameoranyotheroffence
constitutedbythesameactsoromissions,ifthecourtbywhichhewasfirsttriedwasnotcompetentto
trytheoffencewithwhichhewasfirstcharged.
PART20
Witnessess
Enforcingattendanceofwitnesses
186.Issueofsummonsforwitness
(1)Ifthecourtissatisfiedthatanypersonislikelytogivematerialevidencefortheprosecution
orforthedefence,thecourtmayissueasummonsforsuchpersonrequiringhimtoattend,atatime
andplacetobementionedtherein,beforethecourttogiveevidencerespectingthecaseandtobring
withhimanyspecifieddocumentsorthingsandanyotherdocumentsorthingsrelatingtheretowhich
maybeinhispossessionorpowerorunderhiscontrol.
(2)Iftheprosecutorisnotapublicofficer,thepersontowhomsuchsummonsisaddressedshall
notbeboundtoattend,unlesshistravellingexpensesaretenderedtohim.
187.Serviceofsummonsonwitness
Everysuchsummonsshallbeserveduponthepersontowhomitisdirectedinthesamemannerasis
setoutinsection89or91ofthisActor,withleaveofthecourt,section90andtheprovisionsof
sections92to95ofthisActshallapplytosuchsummons.
188.Warrantforwitnessaftersummons
Ifthepersontowhomanysuchsummonsisdirecteddoesnotattendbeforethecourtatthetimeand
placementionedtherein,andtheredoesnotappeartothecourtoninquirytobeanyreasonableexcuse
forsuchnonattendance,then,afterprooftothesatisfactionofthecourtthatthesummonswasduly
servedorthatthepersontowhomthesummonsisdirectedwilfullyavoidsservice,thecourt,onbeing
satisfiedthatsuchpersonislikelytogivematerialevidence,mayissueawarranttoapprehendhimand
tobringhim,atatimeandplacetobementionedinthewarrant,beforethecourtinordertotestifyas
aforesaid.
189.Issueofwarrantforwitnessinfirstinstance
Ifthecourtissatisfiedinthefirstinstance,byproofuponoath,thatanypersonlikelytogivematerial
evidence,eitherfortheprosecutionorforthedefence,willnotattendtogiveevidencewithoutbeing
compelledsotodo,then,insteadofissuingasummons,itmayissueawarrantinthefirstinstancefor
theapprehensionofsuchperson.
190.Modeofdealingwithwitnessarrestedunderwarrant
(1)Everywitnessarrestedunderawarrantissuedinthefirstinstanceshall,ifpracticableand
thehearingofthecaseforwhichhisevidenceisrequiredisappointedforatimewhichismorethan24
hoursafterthearrest,betakenbeforeamagistrate,andthemagistratemay,onhisfurnishingsecurity
byrecognisancetothesatisfactionofthemagistrateforhisappearanceatsuchhearing,orderhimtobe
releasedfromcustody,orshall,onhisfailingtofurnishsuchsecurity,orderhimtobedetainedfor
productionatsuchhearing.
(2)Theprovisionsofsections30and31ofthisActrelatingtobailofaccusedpersonsandof
sections106and144ofthisActshallapplytowitnesses.
(3)Awitnessarrestedordetainedunderthissectionshallnotbekeptinthesameroomorplace
asthedefendant,ifthedefendantisincustody:
Providedthatnoncompliancewiththissubsectionshallnotvitiateanyproceedings.
191.Penaltyonwitnessesrefusingtoattend
Anywitnesswho
(a) refusesorneglects,withoutreasonablecause,toattendatacourtincompliancewith
therequirementsofasummonsdulyservedinthemannerprescribedbylaw;or
(b) departsfromtheprecinctsofthecourtwithouttheleaveofthejudgeormagistrate
holdingthesame,
shallbeliable,onsummaryconviction,toapenaltynotexceedingfortynaira,ortoimprisonmentfor
anytermnotexceedingtwomonths:
Providedthatnocomplaintshallbemadeforanyoffenceunderthissectionexcept,bytheorderofthe
courtmadeduringthehearingofthecaseforwhichtheevidenceofthewitnessisrequired.
192.Nonattendanceofwitnessonadjournedhearing
Everywitnesswhoispresentwhenthehearingorfurtherhearingofacaseisadjourned,orwhohas
beendulynotifiedofthetimeandplacetowhichsuchhearingorfurtherhearingissoadjourned,shall
beboundtoattendatsuchtimeandplace,and,indefaultofsodoing,maybedealtwithinthesame
mannerasifhehadrefusedorneglectedtoattendbeforethecourtinobediencetoasummonsto
attendandgiveevidence.
193.Personincourtmayberequiredtogiveevidencethoughnotsummoned
Anypersonpresentincourtandcompellableasawitness,whetherapartyornotinacause,maybe
compelledbythecourttogiveevidence,andproduceanydocumentinhispossession,orinhispower,
inthesamemannerandsubjecttothesamerulesasifhehadbeensummonedtoattend,andgive
evidence,ortoproducesuchdocumentandmaybepunishedinlikemannerforanyrefusaltoobeythe
orderofthecourt.
Refactorywitnesses
194.Witnessrefusingtobesworn,orproducedocuments
(1)Whenanypersonattendingeitherinobediencetoasummonsorafternotificationasin
section193ofthisActorbyvirtueofawarrantorbeingpresentincourtandbeingverballyrequiredby
thecourttogiveevidenceinanycase
(a) refusestobeswornasawitness;or
(b) havingbeensosworn,refusestoansweranyquestionputtohimbythesanctionofthe
court;or
(c) refusesorneglectstoproduceanydocumentswhichheisrequiredbythecourtto
produce,
withoutinanysuchcaseofferinganysufficientexcuseforsuchrefusalorneglect,thecourtmay,ifit
thinksfit,adjournthehearingofthecaseforanyperiodnotexceedingeightdayswherepracticable,
andmayinthemeantime,bywarrant,commitsuchpersontoprisonorotherplaceofsafecustody,
unlesshesoonerconsentstodowhatissorequiredofhim.
(2)Ifsuchperson,uponbeingbroughtbeforethecourtatorbeforesuchadjournedhearing
againrefusestodowhatissorequiredofhim,thecourtmay,ifitthinksfit,againadjournthehearingof
thecase,andcommithimforthelikeperiodandsoagainfromtimetotime,untilsuchpersonconsents
todowhatissorequiredofhim.
(3)Nothinghereincontainedshallaffecttheliabilityofanysuchpersontoanyother
punishmentorproceedingforrefusingorneglectingtodowhatissorequiredofhim,orshallprevent
thecourtfromdisposingofthecaseinthemeantimeaccordingtoanyothersufficientevidencetaken
byit.
Expensesofwitnesses
195.Expensesofwitnessesfortheprosecution
Whereanypersonappearsbeforethecourtonsummons,recognisanceorbyvirtueofawarranttogive
evidenceagainstanypersonaccusedofanyoffence,thecourtmayorderpayment,inaccordancewith
theprovisionsofanyrulesofcourt,ofthecostsandexpensesofsuchwitnesstogetherwith
compensationforhistroubleandlossoftime.
196.Expensesofwitnessesforaccused
Thecourtmayinitsdiscretion,attherequestofanypersonwhoappearsbeforesuchcourton
summons,recognisanceorbyvirtueofawarranttogiveevidenceonbehalfofanaccusedperson,order
paymentinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofanyrulesofcourttosuchwitnessofsuchsumofmoney
astothecourtseemsreasonableandsufficienttocompensatehimfortheexpenses,trouble,andloss
oftimewhichheincurredorsustainedinattendingbeforethecourt.
197.Adjournmentmaybegrantedsubjecttowitnesses'costs
Inadditiontoanyotherpowerconferredonacourtthecourtmay,ifitconsidersitpropersotodo,on
adjournmentgrantedattherequestofeitheroranyparty,directthattheamountpayabletoany
witnessesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisActandanyrulesofcourt,orsuchsumnot
exceedingsuchamountaforesaidasthecourtmayfix,shallbepaidbythepartyrequestingthe
adjournmenttosuchwitnessesasmaybepresentandwhoseevidenceithasnotbeenpossibletotake
owingtothegrantingoftheadjournment.
198.Ascertainmentofwitnesses'expenses
Theamountoftheexpensesandcompensationpayabletoanywitnessattendingbeforethecourtshall
beascertainedbytheregistrar,certifiedunderhishandandshallbepaidoutofgeneralrevenuetothe
witnessbytheAccountantGeneraloftheFederation.
Examinationofwitnesses
199.ApplicationoftheEvidenceAct
Subjecttotheprovisionsofanyotherwrittenlaw,theexaminationofwitnessesshallbeinaccordance
withtheprovisionsofParts9and10oftheEvidenceAct.
[Cap.E14.]
200.Powertocallorrecallwitnesses
Thecourtatanystageofanytrial,inquiryorotherproceedingsunderthisActmaycallanypersonasa
witnessorrecallandreexamineanypersonalreadyexaminedandthecourtshallexamineorrecalland
reexamineanysuchpersonifhisevidenceappearstothecourttobeessentialtothejustdecisionof
thecase.
201.CertIficatesofcertainGovernmenttechnicalofficers
Certificatesignedbyanyoftheofficersnamedinsection41oftheEvidenceAct,shallbeadmissiblein
evidenceinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsections41to43oftheEvidenceAct.
[Cap.E14.]
202.Rightofreply
Incaseswheretherightofreplydependsuponthequestionwhetherevidencehasbeencalledforthe
defence,thefactthatthepersonchargedhasbeencalledasawitnessshallnotofitselfconferonthe
prosecutiontherightofreply:
Providedthatalawofficerwhenappearingpersonallyascounselfortheprosecutionshallinallcases
havetherightofreply.
PART21
Publicityandview
203.Publictohaveaccesstohearing
Subjecttotheprovisionsofsections204and223ofthisActandofanyotherwrittenlawspecifically
relatingthereto,theroomorplaceinwhichanytrialistotakeplaceunderthisActshall,beanopen
courttowhichthepublicgenerallymayhaveaccessasfarasitcanconvenientlycontainthem.
Publicmaybeexcluded
Providedthatthejudgeormagistratepresidingoversuchtrialmay,inhisdiscretionandsubjecttothe
provisionsofsection204ofthisAct,excludethepublicatanystageofthehearingonthegroundsof
publicpolicy,decencyorexpedience:
Providedfurtherthatwherethecourtissittinginaplaceotherthaninabuilding,theauthoritygivento
excludethepublicshallbeconstruedasbeingauthoritytopreventthepublicapproachingsonearto
wherethecourtissittingas,intheopinionofthejudgeormagistrate,tobeabletohearwhatistaking
placeatthetrialorbeabletocommunicatewithanypersonallowedtobepresentthereat.
204.Courtmaybeclearedwhilstchildoryoungpersonisgivingevidenceincertaincases
Inadditiontoandnotinmitigationofanypowerswhichacourtmaypossesstohearproceedingsin
camerathecourtmay,whereapersonwhointheopinionofthecourthasnotattainedtheageof
seventeen,iscalledaswitnessinanyproceedingsinrelationtoanoffenceagainstoranyconduct
contrarytodecencyormorality,directthatalloranypersonsnotbeingmembersorofficersofthecourt
orpartiestothecase,theirpractitionersorpersonotherwisedirectlyconcernedinthecase,be
excludedfromthecourtduringthetakingoftheevidenceofsuchperson.
205.Orderundersection203or204nottoapplytopressandcertainothers
(1)Anordermadeundereithersection203or204ofthisActexcludingthepublicfromacourt
shallnot,unlessspecificallystated
(a) authorisetheexclusionofbonafiderepresentativesofanewspaperornewsagency;or
(b) applytomessengers,clerksandotherpersonsrequiredtoattendatthesaidcourtfor
purposesconnectedwiththeiremployment.
(2)Wheresuchanorderismade,thejudgeormagistrate,asthecasemaybe,shallrecordthe
groundsuponwhichsuchdecisionistaken.
206.Prohibitiononchildrenbeingpresentincourtduringthetrialofotherpersons
Noinfant,otherthananinfantinarms,orchildshallbepermittedtobepresentincourtduringthetrial
ofanypersonchargedwithanoffenceorduringanyproceedingspreliminarytheretoand,ifsopresent,
shallbeorderedtoberemovedunlessheisthepersonchargedwiththeallegedoffenceorhispresence
isrequireasawitnessorotherwiseforthepurposesofjustice,inwhicheventhemayremainforsolong
ashispresenceisnecessary.
207.Viewbycourtoflocus
(1)Whereitappearstothecourtthatintheinterestofjusticethecourtshouldhaveaviewof
anyplace,personorthingconnectedwiththecasethecourtmay,wheretheviewrelatestoaplace,
eitheradjournthecourttothatplaceandtherecontinuewiththeproceedingsoradjournthecaseand
proceedtoviewtheplace,personorthingconcerned.
(2)Theaccusedshallbepresentattheview.
(3)Inthecaseofanysuchviewbeinghad,thecourtshallgivesuchdirectionsasmayseem
requisiteforthepurposeofpreventingcommunicationbetweenthewitnessesandtheaccused:
Providedthatabreachofanysuchdirectionsshallnotaffectthevalidityoftheproceedingsunlessthe
courtotherwisedirects.
(4)Ifthetrialiswithassessors,theassessorsshallaccompanythejudgeontheview.
PART22
Determinationofage
208.Presumptionanddeterminationofage
Whereapersonisbeforeanycourtanditappearstothecourtthatsuchpersonisaninfant,orachild,
orayoungperson,oranadult,thecourtmaymakedueinquiryastotheageofthatpersonandforthat
purposemaytakesuchevidenceasmaybeforthcomingatthetime,oratthetimetowhichtheinquiry
maybeadjournedbutanorderorjudgmentofthecourtshallnotbeinvalidatedbyanysubsequent
proofthattheageofthatpersonhasnotbeencorrectlystatedtothecourt,andtheagepresumedor
declaredbythecourttobetheageofthatpersonshallforthepurposesofthisActbedeemedtobethe
trueageofthatperson.
209.Ageinrelationtooffences
Whereinachargeforanyoffence,itisallegedthatthepersonbyorinrespectofwhomtheoffencewas
committedwasachildoryoungpersonorwasunderoraboveanyspecifiedage,andheappearstothe
courttohavebeenatthedateofthecommissionoftheallegedoffenceachildoryoungperson,orto
havebeenunderorabovethespecifiedage,asthecasemaybe,heshallforthepurposesofthisActbe
presumedatthatdatetohavebeenachildoryoungpersonortohavebeenunderorabovethatage,as
thecasemaybe,unlessthecontraryisproved.
PART23
Presenceofpartiesandconductoftrials
210.Presenceofaccusedattrial
Everyaccusedpersonshall,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection100andofsubsection(2)ofsection223
ofthisAct,bepresentincourtduringthewholeofhistrialunlesshemisconductshimselfbyso
interruptingtheproceedingsorotherwiseastorendertheircontinuanceinhispresenceimpracticable.
211.Counselforcomplainantandfordefendant
(1)Boththecomplainantanddefendantshallbeentitledtoconducttheirrespectivecasesin
personorbyalegalpractitioner.
(2)Wherethedefendantisincustodyoronremand,heshallbeallowedtheaccessofsuchlegal
practitioneratallreasonabletimes.
213.GeneralcontrolofprosecutionbytheAttorneyGeneral
(1)WhereanypersonotherthantheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateprosecutesinanycriminal
proceedingsforanoffenceagainstalawoftheStateonbehalfoftheStateoranypublicofficer
prosecutesinhisofficialcapacityinanysuchcriminalproceedings,suchpersonorpublicofficershall
prosecutesuchcasesubjecttosuchgeneralorspecificdirectionsasmaybegiventheAttorneyGeneral
oftheState.
[L.N.112of1964.]
(2)WhereproceedingsinrespectofanyoffenceagainstalawoftheStatewithinthecriminal
jurisdictionofacourtarebroughtbyapoliceofficerintheexerciseofhisofficialdutyanditisnot
providedbyanywrittenlawthatsuchproceedingsshallonlybebroughtbyorinthenameofsome
specifiedperson,suchproceedingsmay,subjecttoanyspecialorgeneraldirectiongivenbythe
AttorneyGeneraloftheState,bebroughtinthenameofthepublicofficer,policeofficerinstitutingthe
proceedingsormakingthearrestifany,orinthecaseofamemberofthepoliceforce,inthenameof
theCommissionerofPoliceoftheState.
(3)Theprovisionsofsubsections(1)and(2)ofthissection,shallapplyinrelationtoproceedings
foranoffenceagainstaFederallawastheyapplyinrelationtooffencesagainstalawoftheState,but
asifreferencestotheAttorneyGeneraloftheStatewerereferencestotheAttorneyGeneralofthe
Federation.
(4)TheAttorneyGeneraloftheFederationmay,delegatetotheAttorneyGeneraloftheState
thepowersconferreduponhimbythissectioneithergenerallyorwithrespecttoanyoffenceorclassof
offences.
214.Positionincourtofpersonsummoned
Whereanaccusedpersonappearsbeforeacourtonasummonshemayberequiredtoenterthedock
ortostandorsitadjacenttheretoasmaybeorderedbythecourt.
PART24
Recordingofplea
215.Pleadingtoinformationorcharge
Thepersontobetrieduponanychargeorinformationshallbeplacedbeforethecourtunfettered
unlessthecourtshallseecauseotherwisetoorder,andthechargeorinformationshallbereadover
andexplainedtohimtothesatisfactionofthecourtbytheregistrarorotherofficerofthecourt,and
suchpersonshallbecalledupontopleadinstantlythereto,unlesswherethepersonisentitledto
serviceofacopyoftheinformationheobjectstothewantofsuchserviceandthecourtfindsthathe
hasnotbeendulyservedtherewith.
216.Proceedingonchargeorcountofpreviousconviction
(1)Whereanaccusedpersonischargedwithhavingpreviouslybeenconvictedheshallnot,
whencalledupontopleadtotheotherchargesorcounts,berequiredtopleadtosuchchargesunless
hepleadsguiltytotherestofthechargesorcountsonwhichheistobetriedorisfoundguiltyonone
ormoreofsuchchargesorcounts.
(2)Wherethetrialiswithassessors,achargeorcountofapreviousconvictionshallnotberead
outorcharged,untilaverdicthasbeenreturnedoradecisiongiveninrespectofthechargerelatingto
thesubsequentoffenceandifsuchverdictordecisionisoneofnotguilty,heshallnotbecalleduponto
pleadinrespectofthepreviousconviction.
(3)Whereapersonmayproperlybecalledupontopleadtoachargeorcountoraprevious
conviction,heshallbeaskedifhehasbeenpreviouslyconvictedaschargedornotandifheadmitsthat
hehasbeensopreviouslyconvicted,thecourtmayfindhimguiltyandproceedtosentencehim,butif
hedeniesthathehasbeenpreviouslysoconvictedorstandsmuteofmaliceordoesnotanswerdirectly
tosuchquestion,thecourtshallinquireconcerningsuchpreviousconviction.
(4)ApreviousconvictionmaybeprovedinthemannersetoutinPart11oftheEvidenceActor
otherwisetothesatisfactionofthecourt.
[Cap.E14.]
217.Effectofpleaofnotguilty
Everypersonbypleadinggenerallythepleaofnotguiltyshallwithoutfurtherformbedeemedtohave
puthimselfuponhistrial.
218.Effectofpleaofguilty
Iftheaccusedpleadsguiltytoanyoffencewithwhichheischarged,thecourtshallrecordhispleaas
nearlyaspossibleinthewordsusedbyhimandifsatisfiedthatheintendedtoadmitthetruthofallthe
essentialsoftheoffenceofwhichhehaspleadedguilty,thecourtshallconvicthimofthatoffenceand
passsentenceuponormakeanorderagainsthimunlessthereshallappearsufficientcausetothe
contrary.
219.Pleawhenoffenceadmittedisincludedinoffencecharged
Iftheaccused,whencalledupontopleadtoachargeorinformationforanyoffence,canlawfullybe
convictedonsuchchargeorinformationofsomeotheroffencenotstatedinsuchchargeor
information,hemaypleadnotguiltyoftheoffencestatedinthechargeorinformationbutguiltyofsuch
otheroffenceandthecourt,ifsatisfiedasinthelastprecedingsectionprovided,shallrecordhis
admissionasnearlyaspossibleinthewordsusedbyhim,andmayinitsdiscretion,convicttheaccused
oftheoffenceofwhichhehaspleadedguiltyandproceedasinthelastprecedingsectionprovided,
unlesstheprosecutionstatesitsdesiretoproceedwiththetrialoftheaccusedforanyoffencestatedin
thechargeorinformation.
220.Failuretopleadduetomaliceorotherwise
Iftheaccusedperson,whencalledupontoplead,shallstandmuteofmaliceorwillnotorcannot
answerdirectlywhencalledupontopleadtothecharge,thecourtshallenterorcausetobeentereda
pleaofnotguiltyonbehalfofsuchpersonandthepleasoenteredshallhavethesameforceandeffect
asifsuchpersonhadactuallypleadedthesame,orelsethecourtshallthereuponproceedtotry
whethertheaccusedpersonbeofsoundorunsoundmindinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart25
ofthisActandifheshallbefoundtobeofsoundmind,shallproceedwithhistrial.
221.Pleas:autrefoisacquitorconvict,pardon
(1)Anyaccusedpersonagainstwhomachargeorinformationisfiledmayplead
(a) thatbyvirtueofsection181ofthisActheisnotliabletobetriedfortheoffencewith
whichheischarged;or
(b) thathehasobtainedapardonforhisoffence.
(2)Ifeitherofsuchpleasispleadedinanycaseanddeniedtobetrueinfact,thecourtshalltry
whethersuchpleaistrueinfactornot.
(3)Ifthecourtholdsthatthefactsallegedbytheaccuseddonotprovetheplea,orifitfinds
thatitisfalseinfact,theaccusedshallberequiredtopleadtothechargeorinformation.
(4)Nothinginthissectionshallpreventapersonfrompleadingthatbyvirtueofsomeother
provisionsoflawheisnotliabletobeprosecutedortriedforanyoffencewithwhichheischarged.

PART25
Personsofunsoundmind
222.Interpretation
ForthepurposesofthisPartofthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires
"asylum"includesalunaticasylum,amentalorotherhospital,aprisonandanyothersuitableplaceof
safecustodyformedicalobservation;
"medicalofficer"meansthemedicalofficerattachedtoanyasylumoranymedicalofficerfromwhoma
courtrequiresanopinion.
223.Procedurewhenaccusedissuspectedtobeofunsoundmind
(1)Whenajudgeholdingatrialoramagistrateholdingatrialoraninquiryhasreasonto
suspectthattheaccusedisofunsoundmindandconsequentlyincapableofmakinghisdefencethe
judge,juryormagistrate,asthecasemaybe,shallinthefirstinstanceinvestigatethefactofsuch
unsoundnessofmind.
(2)Suchinvestigationmaybeheldintheabsenceoftheaccusedpersonifthecourtissatisfied
thatowingtothestateoftheaccused'sminditwouldbeintheinterestsofthesafetyoftheaccusedor
ofotherpersonsorintheinterestsofpublicdecencythatheshouldbeabsent,andthecourtmay
receiveasevidenceacertificateinwritingsignedbyamedicalofficertotheeffectthatsuchaccused
personisinhisopinionofunsoundmindandincapableofmakinghisdefenceorisaproperpersontobe
detainedforobservationinanasylum,orthecourtmay,ifitseesfit,takeoralevidencefromamedical
officeronthestateofmindofsuchaccusedperson.
(3)Ifthejudge,juryormagistrate,asthecasemaybe,isnotsatisfiedthatsuchpersonis
capableofmakinghisdefence,thecourtshallpostponethetrialorinquiryandshalldischargethejury,
ifany,andshallremandsuchpersonforaperiodnotexceedingonemonthtobedetainedfor
observationinanyasylum.
(4)Themedicalofficershallkeepsuchpersonunderobservationduringtheperiodofhis
remandandbeforetheexpiryofsuchperiodshallcertifyunderhishandtothecourthisopinionasto
thestateofmindofsuchperson,ifheisunablewithintheperiodtoformanydefiniteconclusions,shall
socertifytothecourtandshallaskforafurtherremand.Suchfurtherremandmayextendtoaperiodof
twomonths.
[L.N.112of1964.]
(5)Anycourtbeforewhichapersonsuspectedtobeofunsoundmindisaccusedofanyoffence
may,ontheapplicationofalawofficer,madeatanystageoftheproceedingspriortothetrial,order
thatsuchpersonbesenttoanasylumforobservation;andthemedicalofficermay,notwithstanding
anyotherprovisionoflaw,detainanysuchaccusedpersonforsuchperiod,notexceedingonemonth,
asmaybenecessarytoenablehimtoformanopinionastothestateofmindofsuchperson,andshall
forwardacopyofhisopinion,inwriting,tothecourt.
224.Certiicateofmedicalofficer
(1)Ifsuchmedicalofficershallcertifythattheaccusedpersonisofsoundmindandcapableof
makinghisdefence,thecourtshall,unlesssatisfiedbythedefencethattheaccusedpersonisof
unsoundmind,proceedwiththeinquiryortrial,asthecasemaybe.
(2)Ifsuchmedicalofficershallcertifythatsuchpersonisofunsoundmindandincapableof
makinghisdefence,thejudgeormagistrateshall,ifsatisfiedofthefact,findaccordingly,andthereupon
theinquiryortrial,asthecasemaybe,shallbepostponed;andifthejudgeormagistrateissatisfied
thattheaccusedpersonisofsoundmindandcapableofmakinghisdefencethecourtshallproceed
withthetrialorinquiryasthecasemaybe.
(3)Thetrialoftheissueastowhetherornottheaccusedpersonisofunsoundmindand
incapableofmakinghisdefenceshall,ifthefindingisthatheisofsoundmindandcapableofmakinghis
defence,bedeemedtobepartofhistrialbeforethecourt.
(4)Thecertificateofsuchmedicalofficershallbereceivableasevidenceunderthissection.
(5)Iftheaccusedpersoniscertifiedtobeofunsoundmindandincapableofmakinghisdefence,
itshallnotbenecessaryforhimtobepresentincourtduringproceedingsunderthissection.
225.Releaseofpersonofunsoundmindpendinginvestigationortrial
(1)(a) Wheneveranaccusedpersonisfoundtobeofunsoundmindandincapableofmakinghis
defence,thecourt,Iftheoffencechargedisbailablebythecourt,may,initsdiscretion,release
himonsufficientsecuritybeinggiventhatheshallbeproperlytakencareofandshallbe
preventedfromdoinginjurytohimselfortoanyotherperson,andforhisappearancewhen
requiredbeforethecourtorsuchofficerasthecourtappointsinthatbehalf.
(b) Ifsuchaccusedpersonisbeforeamagistratechargedwithanoffencewhichisbailablebya
judgebutnotbyamagistrateoriftheoffenceisbailablebyamagistratebutthemagistrate
refusestograntbail,suchmagistrateshallinformtheaccusedofhisrighttoapplytoajudgefor
bailandreportsuchfacttoajudge.
(2)IftheoffencechargedisnotbailablebytheHighCourtorifajudgehasrefusedbailunder
paragraph(a)ofsubsection(1)ofthissectionorafteranapplicationmadeunderparagraph(b)thereof
orifsufficientsecurityisnotgivenorifnoapplicationismadeforbail,thejudgeshallreportthecaseto
theGovernorwhoafterconsiderationofthereportmay,inhisdiscretion,ordertheaccusedtobe
confinedinalunaticasylumorothersuitableplaceofsafecustodyandthejudgeshallgiveeffectto
suchorder.
(3)PendingtheorderoftheGovernor,theaccusedmaybecommittedtoprisonorother
suitableplaceofcustodyforsafecustody.
226.Resumptionofinquiryortrial
Wheneveraninquiryortrialispostponedundersection223or224ofthisAct,thecourtmayatany
timereopentheinquiryorcommencethetrialdenovoandrequiretheaccusedtoappearorbe
broughtbeforesuchcourt.
227.Resumptionofproceedingsundersection223
Whentheaccusedhasbeenreleasedundersection225ofthisAct,thecourtmayatanytimerequire
theaccusedtoappearorbebroughtbeforeitandmayagainproceedundersection223ofthisAct.
228.Whenaccusedappearstohavebeenofunsoundmind
Whentheaccusedappearstobeofunsoundmindatthetimeofanypreliminaryinquirybeforea
magistrateandthemagistrateissatisfiedfromtheevidencegivenbeforehimthatthereisreasonto
believethattheaccusedcommittedanactwhichifhehadbeenofsoundmindwouldhavebeenan
offencebutisfurthersatisfiedfromtheevidence
(a)thatbyvirtueofsection28oftheCriminalCode(whichrelatestoinsanity)theaccusedwas
notcriminallyresponsibleforthatact;or
[Cap.C38.]
(b)thatthecasefallsundersection29(2)iftheCriminalCode(whichrelatestointoxicationasa
defence)byvirtueofparagraph(b)thereof(whichrelatestoinsanityresultingfromintoxication),
themagistrateshallproceedwiththecaseand,iftheaccusedoughtotherwisetobecommittedtothe
HighCourt,shallsendhimfortrial.
229.Acquittalongroundofinsanity(includinginsanityresultingfromintoxication)
Wheneveranypersonisacquittedbyvirtueofthesaidsection28or29(2)(b)oftheCriminalCode,the
verdictofthecourtbeforewhichthetrialhasbeenheldor,inthecaseofatrialwithajury,ofthejury,
shallstatespecificallywhetherhecommittedtheactallegedornot.
[Cap.C38.]
230.Safecustodyofpersonacquitted
(1)Wheneverthefindingstatesthattheaccusedpersoncommittedtheactalleged,thecourt
beforewhichthetrialhasbeenheldshall,ifsuchactwouldbutforincapacityfoundtohaveconstituted
anoffence,ordersuchpersontobekeptinsafecustodyinsuchplaceandmannerasthecourtthinksfit
andshallreportthecasefortheorderoftheGovernor.
[L.N.112of1964.]
(2)TheGovernormayordersuchpersontobeconfinedinalunaticasylum,prisonorother
suitableplaceofsafecustodyduringthepleasureoftheGovernor.
231.Observationofprisonersofunsoundmind
Whenanypersonisconfinedundersection225or230ofthisAct,themedicalofficeroftheprisonif
suchpersonisconfinedinaprison,orthemedicalofficerattachedtotheasylumifheisconfinedinany
asylum,shallkeephimunderobservationinordertoascertainhisstateofmindandsuchmedicalofficer
shallmakeaspecialreportfortheinformationoftheGovernorastothestateofmindofsuchpersonat
suchtimeortimesastheGovernorshallrequire.
232.Procedurewhenpersonofunsoundmindreportedabletomakedefence
Whenanypersonis,undertheprovisionsofsection225ofthisAct,confinedinaprisonorasylumandis
certifiedbythemedicalofficerthereoftobecapableofmakinghisdefence,suchpersonshallbetaken
beforethecourtatsuchtimeasthecourtappoints,andthecourtshallproceedwiththetrialorinquiry,
asthecasemaybe,andtheaforesaidcertificateshallbereceivableasevidence.
233.Procedurewherepersonofunsoundmindreportedfitfordischarge
Ifthemedicalofficerofaprisonorthemedicalofficerattachedtoanasyluminwhichapersonis
confinedundersection225or230ofthisActshallcertifythatsuchpersoninhisjudgmentmaybe
dischargedwithoutdangerofhisdoinginjurytohimselfortoanyotherperson,theGovernormay
thereupon,orderhimtobedischargedortobedetainedincustodyorinprisonortobetransferredto
anasylumifhehasnotalreadybeensenttosuchanasylum,andincaseheordershimtobetransferred
tosuchanasylum,mayrequiretheDirectorofMedicalServicesoftheStatetoappointtwomedical
officerstoreportonthestateofmindofsuchpersonanduponanyotherfactstheGovernormay
requireandonreceiptofsuchreport,theGovernormayorderhisdischargeordetentionashethinks
fit.
234.Transferfromoneplaceofcustodytoanother
WhereapersonisconfinedinaprisonoranasylumtheGovernormaydirecthistransferfromone
prisonorasylumtoanyotherprisonorasylumasoftenasmaybenecessary.
235.Deliveryofpersonofunsoundmindtocareofrelative
(1)Wheneveranyrelativeorfriendofanypersonconfinedundersection225or230ofthisAct
desiresthatsuchpersonshallbedeliveredovertohiscareandcustody,theGovernor,uponthe
applicationofsuchrelativeorfriendandonhisgivingsecuritytothesatisfactionoftheGovernorthat
thepersondeliveredshallbeproperlytakencareofandshallbepreventedfromdoinginjurytohimself
ortoanyotherperson,mayinhisdiscretionordersuchpersontobedeliveredtosuchrelativeorfriend:
Providedthatifsuchpersonisconfinedundertheprovisionsofsection225ofthisAct,theGovernor
mayfurtherrequiresuchrelativeorfriendtogivesecuritytothesatisfactionoftheGovernorthatifat
anytimeitshallappeartotheGovernorthatsuchpersoniscapableofmakinghisdefence,suchrelative
orfriendshallproducesuchpersonfortrial.
(2)Wheneversuchpersonissodeliveredtothecareandcustodyofanypersonitshallbeupon
conditionthatheshallbeproducedfortheinspectionofsuchofficerandatsuchtimesastheGovernor
directs.
(3)Sections231and232ofthisActshall,mutatismutandis,applytopersonsdeliveredtothe
careandcustodyofpersonsunderthissection.
235A.RemovaltoanotherState
Wheneveritshallbenecessarytoremoveaprisonertoaprisonorasylumundertheprovisionsofthis
PartofthisAct,anorderforsuchremovalgivenundertheprovisionsofthisPartshallbesufficient
authorityforsuchremovalandthedetentionofsuchprisonernotwithstandingthatsuchprisonor
asylumissituateinanotherStateofNigeria.
PART26
Remand
236.Courtmayremanddefendantforeightdays
Ifduringanyproceedingsbeforeacourtitbecomesnecessarytoadjournthehearingofthesame,the
courtmayfromtimetotimeadjournsuchproceedingsafterorwithouthearingtheevidence,ifitthinks
fit,toacertaintimeandplace,tobethenappointedinthehearingofthepartiesorthelegal
practitionersrepresentingthemandifthedefendantisincustodythecourtmayadmithimtobail,asin
thisActprovided,orbyitswarrantremandhimtoprisonorothersuitableplaceofsecurityforanytime
notnormallyexceedingeightdaysbutifnecessaryforsuchlongerperiodasthecourtmayconsider
advisableandifsuchremandshallnotbeforlongerthanthreecleardaysthecourtmayorderthe
personinwhosecustodythepersonremandedis,oranyotherfitofficerorperson,tocontinuetokeep
theaccusedinhiscustody,andtobringhimagainbeforethecourtatthetimeappointedfor
continuanceofthecase.
237.Courtmaybringupprisonerduringremand
Duringremandthecourtmayneverthelessordertheaccusedtobebroughtbeforeit.
238.Magistratemayadjournwhereaccusedcannotappear
Ifacourtissatisfiedthatanaccusedpersonwhohasbeenremandedis,byreasonofillnessoraccident,
unabletoappearpersonallybeforethecourtatsuchadjournmentasinsection236ofthisAct
mentioned,suchcourtmay,intheabsenceoftheaccusedperson,orderhimtobefurtherremandedfor
suchtimeasmaybedeemedreasonableandcausehimtobesoinformedinwriting.
Placeofcommitment
239.Placeofcommitment
AllpersonscommittedtoprisonunderthisActshallbecommittedtoaGovernmentprisonorother
placeofsafecustody.
PART27
Addressesofcasefortheprosecution
240.Openingofcasefortheprosecution
Aftertheaccusedpersonhaspleadednotguiltytothechargeorinformation,thepersonappearingfor
theprosecutionmayopenthecaseagainsttheaccusedpersonandthenadduceevidenceinsupportof
thecharge.
Defenceandreply
241.Incertaincasesprosecutionhasnorightofreply
Afterthecasefortheprosecutionisconcluded,theaccusedorthelegalpractitionerrepresentinghim,if
any,shallbeentitledtoaddressthecourtatthecommencementorconclusionofhiscase,ashethinks
fit,andifnowitnesseshavebeencalledforthedefence,otherthantheaccusedhimselforwitnesses
solelyastothecharacteroftheaccusedandnodocumentisputinasevidenceforthedefence,the
personappearingfortheprosecutionshallnotbeentitledtoaddressthecourtasecondtime,butifin
openingthecaseforthedefencethepersonappearingfortheaccusedhasinaddressingthecourt
introducednewmatterwithoutsupportingitbyevidence,thecourt,initsdiscretion,mayallowthe
personappearingfortheprosecutiontoreply.
242.Casesinwhichprosecutionmayreply
Ifanywitness,otherthantheaccusedhimselforwitnessessolelyastothecharacteroftheaccused,is
calledoranydocumentisputinasevidenceforthedefence,thepersonappearingfortheaccusedshall
beentitledafterevidenceonbehalfoftheaccusedhasbeenadducedtoaddressthecourtasecond
timeonthewholecaseandthepersonappearingfortheprosecutionshallhavearightofreply.
243.Replybylawofficer
Theprovisionsofsections241and242ofthisActshallnotaffecttherightofreplybyalawofficer.
PART27A
Procedurewhereconstitutionalquestionsarereferredtohighercourt
243A.ReferencetoCourtofAppeal
(1)WhereanyquestionastotheinterpretationoftheConstitutionoftheFederalRepublicof
NigeriaarisesinthecourseofatrialandisreferredtotheCourtofAppealundertheprovisionsofthe
saidConstitution,thecourtbeforewhichthequestionarosemayinitsdiscretioneither
[Cap.C23.L.N.112of1964.]
(a) adjournthetrialuntilsuchquestionshallhavebeenconsideredanddecided;or
(b) concludethetrialandpostponetheverdictuntilsuchtimeasthequestionhasbeen
consideredanddecided;or
(c) concludethetrialandpasssentenceandrespiteexecutionthereofuntilsuchtimeas
thequestionhasbeenconsideredanddecided,
andinanysuchcase,thecourtinitsdiscretionshallcommitthepersonaccusedorconvictedtoprison
oradmithimtobailinaccordancewithPart14ofhisAct.
(2)Whenthequestionhasbeendecided,thecourtshall
(a) continuethetrialordischargetheaccused;or
(b) acquitorconvicttheaccused;or
(c) ordertheexecutionofthesentence,asthecircumstancesmayrequire.
PART28
Conclusionoftrial
244.Deliberationbycourt
Whenthecaseforbothsidesisclosed,thecourtshallconsideritsverdictandforthispurposemay
adjournthetrial.
245.Judgmenttobeinwriting
Thejudgeormagistrateshallrecordhisjudgmentinwritingandeverysuchjudgmentshallcontainthe
pointorpointsfordetermination,thedecisionthereonandthereasonsforthedecisionandshallbe
datedandsignedbythejudgeormagistrateatthetimeofpronouncingit:
Providedthatinthecaseofamagistrate,inlieuofwritingsuchjudgment,itshallbesufficient
complianceunderthissectionifthemagistrate
(a) recordsbrieflyinthebookhisdecisionthereonandwherenecessaryhisreasonsfor
suchdecisionanddeliversanoraljudgment;or
(b) recordssuchinformationinaprescribedform.
246.AccusedtobedischargedIffoundnotguilty
Ifthecourtfindstheaccusednotguilty,theaccusedshallforthwithbedischargedandanorderof
acquittalrecorded.
247.Accusedtobeaskedwhetherhehasanythingtosaybeforesentence
Ifthecourtconvictstheaccusedpersonorifhepleadsguilty,itshallbethedutyoftheregistrartoask
theaccusedwhetherhehasanythingtosaywhysentenceshouldnotbepassedonhimaccordingto
law,buttheomissionoftheregistrarsotoaskhimorhisbeingsoaskedbythejudgeormagistrate
insteadoftheregistrarshallhavenoeffectonthevalidityoftheproceedings.
248.Sentence
Ifthecourtfindstheaccusedguilty,thecourtshalleitherpasssentenceontheaccusedormakean
orderorreservejudgmentandadjournthecasetosomefutureday.
249.Convictiononthechargespending
(1)Whereanaccusedpersonisfoundguiltyofanoffence,thecourtmayinpassingsentence
takeintoconsiderationanyotherchargethenpendingagainsttheaccusediftheaccusedadmitsthe
otherchargeanddesiresthatitbetakenintoconsiderationandiftheprosecutoroftheothercharge
consents.
(2)Wheresuchadesireisexpressedandconsentgiven,thecourtshallenterorcauseanentry
tothateffecttobemadeontherecord,anduponsentencebeingpronouncedtheaccusedshallnot,
subjecttotheprovisionsofsections182to184ofthisActorunlesstheconvictionwhichhasbeenhadis
setaside,beliabletobechargedortriedinrespectofanysuchoffencesotakenintoconsideration.
250.Securityforcomingupforjudgment
Whenapersonisconvictedofanyoffencethecourtmay,insteadofpassingsentence,dischargethe
offenderuponhisenteringintohisownrecognisance,withorwithoutsureties,insuchsumasthecourt
maythink,fit,conditionedthatheshallappearandreceivejudgmentatsomefuturesittingofthecourt
orwhencalledupon.
251.Deliveryofjudgmentwhenjudgeormagistrateunavoidablyabsent
Whereajudgeormagistratehavingtriedacaseispreventedbyillnessorotherunavoidablecausefrom
deliveringhisjudgmentorsentence,suchjudgmentandthesentence,ifthesamehasbeenreduced
intowritingandsignedbythejudgeormagistrate,maybedeliveredandpronouncedinopencourtin
thepresenceoftheaccusedbyanyotherjudgeormagistrate.
Warrantofcommitment
252.Directimprisonment
Whereasentenceorconvictiondoesnotorderthepaymentofmoneybutordersthattheoffenderbe
imprisoned,thecourtshallissueawarrantofcommitmentaccordingly.
253.Authorityforcarryingoutsentencesnotcapital
Awarrantunderthehandofthejudgeormagistratebywhomanypersonshallhavebeensentencedor
committedtoprisonfornonpaymentofapenaltyorfineshallbefullauthoritytothesuperintendentof
anyprisonandtoallotherpersonsforcarryingintoeffectthesentencedescribedinsuchwarrantnot
beingasentenceofdeath.
Defectinorderorwarrant
254.Errororomissionnottoaffectlegalityofact
Thecourtmay,atanytimeamendanydefectinsubstanceorinforminanyorderorwarrantof
commitmentandnoomissionorerrorastotimeandplaceandnodefectinforminanyorderor
warrantofcommitmentgivenunderthisAct,shallbeheldtorendervoidorunlawfulanyactdoneor
intendedtobedonebyvirtueofsuchorderorwarrantifitisthereinmentioned,ormaybeinferred
therefrom,thatitisfoundedonaconvictionorjudgmentsufficienttosustainthesame.
PART29
Costs,compensationanddamages
255.Costsagainstaccused
(1)Acourtmay,orderanypersonconvictedbeforeitofanoffencetopaytotheprosecutorin
additiontoanypenaltyimposedsuchreasonablecostsasthecourtmaydeemfit.
Againstprivateprosecutor
(2)Acourtthatacquitsordischargesapersonaccusedofanoffence,iftheprosecutionofsuch
offencewasoriginallyinstitutedonasummonsorawarrantissuedbyacourtonthecomplaintofa
privateprosecutormayorderhimtopaytotheaccusedsuchreasonablecostsasthecourtmaydeemfit
andthepaymentofsuchcostsoranypartthereofmaybeorderedbythecourttobemadeoutofany
moneystakenfromsuchpersononhisapprehensionormayberecoveredbydistress.
(3)Noorderastocostsasaforesaidmaybemadeifthecourtconsidersthattheprivate
prosecutorhadreasonablegroundsformakinghiscomplaintandthecostsawardedshallnotexceed
onehundrednairainthecaseofanawardbyajudgeorfiftynairainthecaseofanawardbya
magistrate.
(4)Costsmaybeawardedunderthissectionandmaybeinadditiontoanycompensation
awardedandacceptedundersection256ofthisAct.
Meaningof"privateprosecutor"
(5)Inthissection,"privateprosecutor"doesnotincludeanypersonprosecutingonbehalfof
theState,apublicofficerprosecutinginhisofficialcapacityorpoliceofficer.
[L.N.112of1964.]
256.Compensationincaseoffalseandvexatiouscharge
Ifinanycasebeforeacourt,oneormorepersonsisorareaccusedofanyoffenceandthecourtby
whomthecaseishearddischargesoracquitsanyoralloftheaccusedandthejudgeormagistrate
presidingoverthecourtisofopinionthattheaccusationagainstanyorallofthemwasfalseandeither
frivolousorvexatious,thejudgeormagistratemayforreasonstoberecorded,directthat
compensation,tosuchanamountnotexceedingtwentynairaashemaydetermine,bepaidtothe
accusedortoeachoranyofthembythepersonuponwhosecomplainttheaccusedwasorwere
charged.
257.Enforcementofawardofcompensation
Anysumsoawardedascompensationshallbespecifiedintheorderofdischargeoracquittal,asthe
casemaybe,andthecourtmayorderthatondefaultofpaymentwithinsuchtimeasthecourtdeems
properofanysumawardedforcompensation,thepersonmakingdefaultbeimprisoned,withor
withouthardlabour,foranytermnotexceedingthetermprescribedinrespectofalikesuminthescale
ofimprisonmentsetforthinsection390ofthisAct.
258.Savingofexpressprocedureforawardingcostsandcompensation
Theprovisionsofsections255and256ofthisActshallbesubjecttoanyexpressprovisionsmadeinany
writtenlawrelatingtotheproceduretobefollowedintheawardingofcostsorcompensationinrespect
ofconditionsspecifiedinsuchwrittenlaw.
259.Ordertopaycostsappealable
Anappealshalllieagainstanyorderawardingcostsundersection255ofthisAct,ifmadebymagistrate
totheHighCourtandifmadebyjudgetotheCourtofAppeal.
[L.N.112of1964.]
260.Injuredpersonmayrefusetoacceptcompensation;butpaymentofcompensationisbarto
furtherliability
(1)Thepersontowhomcompensationisawardedmayrefusetoacceptanysuchorderfor
compensation,butwhereanypersonreceivedcompensationforaninjuryundertheawardofthecourt
asabovementioned,orwheretheoffender,havingbeenorderedtomakecompensation,suffers
imprisonmentfornonpaymentthereof,thereceiptofsuchcompensation,ortheundergoingofsuch
imprisonment,asthecasemaybe,shallbeabartoanyactionforthesameinjury.
(2)Beforemakinganorderundersubsection(1)ofthissection,thecourtshallexplainthefull
effectofthatsubsectiontothepersontowhomcompensationwouldbepayable.
Damagesincasesofdishonesty
261.Wrongfulconversionordetentionofproperty
Whereinachargeofstealingorreceivingstolenproperty,thecourtshallbeofopinionthatthe
evidenceisinsufficienttosupportthatcharge,butthatitestablisheswrongfulconversionordetention
ofproperty,thecourtmayorderthatsuchpropertyberestored,andmayalsoawarddamages:
Providedthatthevalueofsuchpropertyandtheamountofdamagesawardedshallnot
togetheramountinvaluetotwentynaira.
262.Damagesrecoverableaspenalty
Thedamagesawardedundersection261ofthisActshallberecoverableinlikemannerasapenalty.
PART30
Seizure,restitution,forfeitureanddispositionorproperty
263.Orderfordisposalofpropertyregardingwhichoffencecommitted
(1)Duringorattheconclusionofanytrialorinquiry,thecourtmaymakesuchorderasitthinks
fitforthedisposal,whetherbywayofforfeiture,confiscationorotherwise,ofanypropertyproduced
beforeitregardingwhichanyoffenceappearstohavebeencommittedorwhichhasbeenusedforthe
commissionofanyoffence.
(2)Wherethecourtorderstheforfeitureorconfiscationofanypropertyasprovidedin
subsection(1)ofthissectionbutdoesnotmakeanorderforitsdestructionorforitsdeliverytoany
person,thecourtmaydirectthatthepropertyshallbekeptorsoldandthatthesameor,ifsold,the
proceedsthereofshallbeheldasitdirectsuntilsomepersonestablishestothecourt'ssatisfactiona
rightthereto.Ifnopersonestablishessucharightwithinsixmonthsfromthedateofforfeitureor
confiscation,suchpropertyortheproceedsthereofshallbepaidintoandformpartofthegeneral
revenue.
(3)Thepowerconferredbysubsections(1)and(2)ofthissectionuponthecourtshallinclude
thepowertomakeanorderfortheforfeitureorconfiscationorforthedestructionorforthedeliveryto
anypersonofsuchproperty,butshallbeexercisedsubjecttoanyspecialprovisionsregardingforfeiture,
confiscation,destruction,detentionordeliverycontainedinthewrittenlawunderwhichtheconviction
washadorinanyotherwrittenlawapplicabletothecase.
(4)Whenanorderismadeunderthissectioninacaseinwhichanappeallies,suchordershall
not,exceptwhenthepropertyislivestockorissubjecttospeedyandnaturaldecay,becarriedoutuntil
theperiodallowedforpresentingsuchappealhaspassedorwhensuchappealisentereduntilthe
disposalofsuchappeal.
263A.Meaningof"property"inthisPart
InthisPartofthisAct,theterm"property"includes,inthecaseofpropertyregardingwhichanoffence
appearstohavebeencommitted,notonlysuchpropertyashasbeenoriginallyinthepossessionor
underthecontrolofanypartybutalsoanypropertyintoorforwhichthesamehasbeenconvertedor
exchangedandanythingacquiredbysuchconversionorexchange,whetherimmediatelyorotherwise.
[1966No.84.]
264.Seizureofthingsintendedtobeusedincommissionofoffence
Thecourtmayordertheseizureofanyinstruments,materialsorthingswhichthereisreasontobelieve
areprovidedorprepared,orbeingprepared,withaviewtothecommissionofanyoffencetriableby
thecourtandmaydirectthesametobeforfeited,confiscated,heldorotherwisedealtwithinthesame
manneraspropertyundersection263ofthisAct.
265.Destructionofseditious,prohibitedorobscenepublicationsandofobsceneobjects
(1)Onaconvictionundersection51,58,or232oftheCriminalCode,thecourtmayorderthe
confiscationanddestructionofallthecopiesofthethinginrespectofwhichtheconvictionwashadand
whichareinthecustodyofthecourtandalsoallthosewhichremaininthepossessionorpowerofthe
personconvicted.
[Cap.C38.]
(2)Thecourtmayintheeventofaconvictionforanoffenceundersection243oftheCriminal
Codeorderthefoodordrinkinrespectofwhichtheconvictionwashadandalsoallotherunfitor
adulteratedfoodordrinkwhichremaininthepossessionofpowerofthepersonconvictedtobe
destroyed.
266.Searchwarrantmaybeusedtosearchforthingssubjecttosections264and265
Whereamagistrateissatisfiedbyinformationonoaththatthereisreasonablegroundforbelievingthat
thereisintheStateinanybuilding,ship,carriage,receptacleorplaceanythinginrespectofwhichan
ordermaybemadeundersection264or265ofthisAct,suchmagistratemayissueasearchwarrantto
searchforanysuchthingandifsuchthingbefound,thesameshallbebroughtbeforeanycourtand
dealtwithasthecourtmaythinkproper.
267.Restorationofpossessionofimmovableproperty
(1)Wheneverapersonisconvictedofanoffenceattendedbycriminalforceanditappearsto
thecourtthatbysuchforceanypersonhasbeendispossessedofanyimmovablepropertythecourt
may,ifitthinksfit,orderthepossessionofthesametoberestoredtosuchperson.
(2)Nosuchordershallprejudiceanyrightorinteresttoorinsuchimmovablepropertywhich
anyperson,includingthepersonconvicted,maybeabletoestablishinacivilsuit.
268.Paymenttoinnocentpersonofmoneyfoundonaccused
Whenanypersonisconvictedofanyoffencewhichincludesoramountstostealingorreceivingstolen
propertyanditisprovedthatanyotherpersonhasboughtthestolenpropertyfromhimwithout
knowingorhavingreasontobelievethatthesamewasstolen,andthatanymoneyhasonthearrestof
theconvictedpersonbeentakenoutofhispossession,thecourtmay,ontheapplicationofsuch
purchaserandontherestitutionofthestolenpropertytothepersonentitledtothepossessionthereof,
orderthatoutofsuchmoney,asumnotexceedingthepricepaidbysuchpurchasershallbedelivered
tohim.
269.Restitutionanddispositionofpropertyfoundonpersonarrested
Where,upontheapprehensionofapersonchargedwithanoffence,anyproperty,otherthanthatused
inthecommissionoftheoffence,istakenfromhim,thecourtbeforewhichheischargedmayorder
(a) thatthepropertyorapartthereofberestoredtothepersonwhoappearstothecourt
tobeentitledthereto,and,ifhebethepersoncharged,thatitberestoredeithertohim
ortosuchotherpersonashemaydirect;or
(b) thatthepropertyorapartthereofbeappliedtothepaymentofanycostsor
compensationdirectedtobepaidbythepersoncharged.
270.Restitutionofpropertystolen
(1)Whereanypersonisconvictedofhavingstolenorhavingreceivedstolenproperty,thecourt
convictinghimmayorderthatsuchpropertyorapartthereofberestoredtothepersonwhoappearsto
ittobetheownerthereof,eitheronpaymentorwithoutpaymentbytheownertothepersoninwhose
possessionsuchpropertyorapartthereofthenis,ofanysumnamedinsuchorder.
(2)Thissectionshallnotapplyto
(a) anyvaluablesecuritywhichhasbeenbonafidepaidordischargedbyanypersonliable
topayordischargethesame;or
(b) anynegotiableinstrumentwhichshallhavebeenbonafidereceivedbytransferor
deliverybyanypersonforajustandvaluableconsiderationwithoutnoticeorwithout
anyreasonablecausetosuspectthatithasbeenstolen.
271.Destructionofarticlesrelatingtocounterfeitingwherechargeislaid
Whereanypersonischargedwithanoffencerelatingtocounterfeitcoinandinthatperson's
possession,actualorconstructive,wasfoundanycounterfeitcoinoranymatterorthingintendedtobe
usedforthepurposeofmakingcounterfeitcoinsthen,whethersuchchargeproceedstoconvictionor
not,suchcoinormatterorthingshallnotbereturnedtothepersonchargedortothepersonfrom
whomthesamewastakenbutshallbedestroyedinsuchmannerasthecourtmayorderandfailingany
suchorder,thesameshallbedeliveredbythecourttoanyadministrativeofficerortoanyofficerofthe
officeoftheAccountantGeneralfortheFederation,notbelowthegradeofanassistantaccountant,or
toapoliceofficernotbelowtherankofsuperiorpoliceofficer,tobedestroyedinsuchmannerassuch
officermayseefit.
272.Destructionofarticlesrelatingtocounterfeitingwherenochargeislaid
Whereanypersoncomesintopossessionofanycoinwhichhebelievestobecounterfeitorofany
matterorthingwhichinhisopinionistobeusedforthepurposeofmakingcounterfeitcoinshemay
handsuchcoin,matterorthingtoanyadministrativeofficer,officeroftheCentralBankofNigeria
designatedbytheBanktoreceivethesame,ortoanypoliceofficernotbelowtherankofsubinspector,
andsuchadministrativeofficer,officeroftheCentralBankofNigeria,orpoliceofficer
[1970No.44.]
(a) ifsatisfiedthatsuchcoinisnotcounterfeit,orthatanysucharticlesarenotintendedto
beusedforthepurposeofmakingcounterfeitcoins,shallreturnthecoinorsuch
articles,asthecasemaybe,tothepersonpurportingtobetheownerthereof,ifknown;
and
(b) ifsatisfiedthatsuchcoiniscounterfeitorsuchmatterorthingisintendedtobeused
forthepurposeofmakingcounterfeitcoinsandifnochargeistobepreferredagainst
anypersoninconnectionwithanysuchcoin,matterorthing,maydestroyorcauseto
bedestroyedsuchcoin,matterorthinginsuchmannerandbysuchpersonsasmaybe
approvedbytheFederalMinisterofFinance:
Providedthat
(i) noticeshallhavebeengiventothepersonwhoappearstobetheownerofsuch
coin,matterorthing,ifsuchpersonisknownandcaneasilybefound,thatsuch
coin,matterorthingwillbedestroyedattheendofaspecifiednumberofdays
unlesssuchownershowsthatthecoinisnotcounterfeitorthatthematteror
thingisnotintendedtobeusedforthepurposeofmakingcounterfeitcoin;and
(ii) areasonabletimewasallowedsuchpersonforprovidingsuchproofas
aforesaid,
andthepersonwhoallegesthatheistheowneroforotherwiseentitledtosuchcoin,matterorthing
shallhavenoclaimagainstanysuchadministrativeofficer,officeroftheofficeoftheAccountant
GeneralfortheFederation,policeofficerortheGovernmentinrespectofanysuchcoin,matterorthing
sodestroyed.
272A.Detentionanddestructionofcounterfeitnotes,etc.
(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,sections271and272ofthisActshallapplyin
relationtonotespurportingtobelegaltenderinNigeriaasthosesectionsapplyinrelationtocoins.
(2)Nonote,coin,matterorthingshallbedestroyedbyvirtueofsubsection(1)ofthissection
unlesseither
(a) acourtordersitsdestruction,inconnectionwithaconvictionforanoffence,in
pursuanceofsection271ofthisActasappliedbysubsection(1)ofthissection;or
(b) itappearstoamagistrates'courthavingjurisdictionintheplacewherethenote,coin,
matterorthingisforthetimebeingsituated,onanapplicationmadeinaccordance
withrulesofcourt,thattheexistenceofthenote,coin,matterorthinginvolvesa
breachofthelawandthecourtmakesanorderforitsforfeitureanddestruction
accordingly;or
(c) intheabsenceofanyconvictionforanoffenceinrespectthereofandanypending
prosecutionforsuchanoffence,andofanyorderorpendingapplicationforanorderfor
itsforfeiture,thenote,coin,matterorthing
(i) hasbeenvoluntarilysurrenderedbythepersonhavingpossessionthereofto
theproperofficialoftheCentralBankofNigeriaorasuperiorpoliceofficer;or
(ii) isdiscoveredinalodgmentmadewiththesaidbankbyacommercialbank.
RepealCap.216of1958Edition
(3)TheWestAfricanCurrencyNotesActisherebyrepealed.
273.Modeofdealingwithforfeiturenotpecuniary
Subjecttotheexpressprovisionsofanywrittenlawrelatingthereto,everyarticle,notpecuniary,
forfeitedinrespectofasummaryconvictionoffenceortheseizure,forfeitureordispositionofwhich
maybeenforcedbythecourtmaybesoldordisposedofinsuchmannerasthecourtmaydirect,and
theproceedsofsuchsaleshallbeappliedinthelikemannerasiftheproceedswereapenaltyimposed
underthewrittenlawonwhichtheproceedingfortheforfeitureisfounded.
PART31
Summaryprocedureinperjury
274.Perjury.Summaryprocedure
(1)Ifitappearstoacourtthatapersonhasbeenguiltyofperjuryinanyproceedingsbeforeit,
thecourt,subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(2)ofthissectionandinadditioninthecaseofa
magistratetosubsection(3)ofthissection,may
(a) commithimfortrialuponinformationofperjuryandbindanypersonbyrecognisance
togiveevidenceathistrial;or
(b) tryhimsummarilyasforacontemptofcourtandifheisfoundguiltycommithimto
prisonforsixmonthsorfinehim
(i) ifintheHighCourt,asumofonehundrednaira(N100);and
(ii) ifinthemagistrate'scourt,asumoffiftynaira(N50).
(2)Whereajudgeormagistratedecidestotryapersonsummarilyundersubsection(1)ofthis
section,asforacontemptofcourt,suchjudgeormagistrateshallrecordintheevidencebookthefact
ofsuchdecision,shallspecifytheperjuryallegedandshalldirecttheattentionofthepersontobe
chargedtotheinconsistenciesuponwhichsuchchargeisbasedandshallrequirehimtogivehis
explanationthereofandshallrecordsuchexplanationinthebookaforesaid.
(3)(a)Ifamagistrateordersapersontobeimprisonedortopayafineundersubsection(1)of
thissection,heshallneitherissuehiswarrantofcommitmentnormakeanorderforimprisonmentfor
nonpaymentofthefinebutshalleitherremandsuchpersonorreleasehimonarecognisancewithor
withoutsuretiestocomeupbeforethecourtwhencalleduponandshallforthwithforwardtotheChief
JudgeorsuchjudgeastheChiefJudgemaydirect,acertifiedcopyoftheproceedingsandtheChief
Judgeorjudgeasaforesaidmay,withouthearingargumentandintheabsenceofthepersonconcerned,
setasideorconfirmsuchorderorreducethesentenceofimprisonmentortheamountofthefineand
shallinformthemagistrateassoonaspracticablethereafterofhisdecision.
(b) IftheChiefJudgeorjudgedoesnotwhollysetasidethemagistrate'sorder,the
magistrateshallforthwithissuehiswarrantofcommitmentormakethenecessary
orderforpaymentofthefineinaccordancewiththetermsoftheChiefJudgeorjudge's
order.
(4)Anyimprisonmentorfineorderedorimposedunderthissectionshallbeabartoanyother
proceedingsforthesameoffenceexceptwheretheorderofamagistratehasbeenwhollysetaside.
CHAPTER3
PART32
Trialsgenerally
275.Trials
(1)Trialsshallbeheld
[L.N.112of1964.]
(a) intheHighCourt
(i) oninformation,aftercommittalfortrialbyamagistrateunderPart36
ofthisActsuchinformationbeingfiledbyalawofficerorprivate
prosecutorinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart37ofthisAct;or
(ii) oninformation,filedinthecourtaftertheaccusedhasbeensummarily
committedfortrialbyajudgeormagistrateundertheprovisionsofPart
31ofthisAct;or
(iii) oninformationexhibitedbytheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateunder
theprovisionsofsection72ofthisAct;or
(iv) summarily,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart33ofthisAct;and
(b) inmagistrates'courtssummarilyinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart33of
thisAct.
(2)Whentrialsarebeingheldwiththeaidofassessors,theprovisionsofPart48ofthisAct
relatingtheretoshallapply.
276.SummarytrialinHighCourt,limitation
TheChiefJudgemaybyruledirectthatanyoffenceorclassofoffenceshallnotbetriablesummarilyby
theHighCourteitherthroughoutthewholeofaStateorinanyspecifiedpartthereof.
CHAPTER4
PART33
Summarytrial
Application
277.Summarytrials
TheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActshallapplytooffencestriablesummarily,thatistosay
(a) toalltrialsintheHighcourtotherthanoninformation;and
(b) toalltrialsintheHighCourtinrespectofoffencesforwhichitisprovidedthatatrial
canbehadintheHighCourtotherwisethanoninformationandforwhichnospecial
procedureisprovided;and
(c) toalltrialsinanymagistrate'scourttotheextentofthejurisdictionofthemagistrate
adjudicating;and
(d) foralloffencesdeclaredbyanywrittenlawtobetriablesummarilyoronsummary
convictionorinasummarymannerorbyamagistrate.
278.ApplicationofPartsofthisActtoprocessesunderthisChapter
TheprovisionsofthisAct,otherthanthoserelatingtothecommittalofanaccusedpersontotheHigh
Courtfortrialoninformationtherein,shallapplytotrialsunderthisChaptersavethatwherethe
provisionsofthisChapterconflictwiththeprovisionssoappliedtheprovisionsofthisChaptershall
prevail.
Hearingofcomplaint
279.Timeandplaceofhearing
Onthedayandattheplacementionedinthesummonsoronthedayandattheplaceonandtowhich
thedefendantisbroughtbeforethecourtunderawarrant,asthecasemaybe,thecasewithrespectto
whichthecomplainthasbeenmadeshallbecalledforhearinginthecourt.
280.Nonappearanceofprosecutor
If,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection100ofthisAct,whenthecaseiscalledthedefendantappears
voluntarilyinobediencetothesummonsorisbroughtbeforethecourtunderawarrant,andthe
complainanthaving,tothesatisfactionofthecourt,hadduenoticeofthetimeandplaceofhearing,
doesnotappearinpersonorinthemannerauthorisedbyanywrittenlaw,thecourtshalldismissthe
complaintunlessthecourt,havingreceivedareasonableexcuseforthenonappearanceofthe
complainantorhisrepresentativeorforothersufficientreason,thinkfittoadjournthehearingofthe
sametosomefuturedayuponsuchtermsasthecourtmaythinkjust.
281.Nonappearanceofdefendant
(1)If,whenasummonscaseiscalled,thedefendantdoesnotappear,orpleadsguiltyunderthe
provisionsofsection100ofthisAct,andnosufficientexcuseisofferedforhisabsencethenthecourt,if
satisfiedthatthesummons,ifany,hasbeendulyservedmayissueawarrant,calledabenchwarrant,
forhisarrestorifnotsatisfiedthatthesummonshasbeendulyservedorifawarranthadbeenissued,
inthefirstinstance,fortheapprehensionofthedefendant,thecourtmayadjournthehearingofthe
casetosomefutureday,inorderthatproperservicemaybeeffectedoruntilthedefendantbe
apprehended,asthecasemaybe.
(2)Ifthedefendantisafterwardsapprehendedonabenchwarrantorotherwarrantas
aforesaid,heshallbebroughtbeforethemagistratewhoshallthereuponcommithimbywarrantto
prisonortosuchotherplaceofsafecustodyashemaythinkfit,andorderhimtobebroughtata
certaintimeandplacebeforethecourt;andofsuchtimeandplacethecomplainantshall,bydirection
ofthemagistrate,beservedwithduenotice.
282.Nonappearanceofbothparties
(1)If,whenthecaseiscalled,neitherthecomplainantnorthedefendantappears,thecourt
shallmakesuchorderasthejusticeofthecaserequires.
(2)Insuchorder,thecourtmayincludesuchdirectionastothepaymentofcostsastothecourt
shallseemfit,andthepaymentofsuchcostsmaybeenforcedinthemannerandsubjecttothe
conditionssetforthinPart43ofthisActasifitwereafine.
283.Appearanceofbothparties
If,whenthecaseiscalledboththecomplainantandthedefendantappear,thecourtshallproceedto
hearanddeterminethecase.
284.Withdrawalofcomplaint
IfacomplainantatanytimebeforeafinalorderismadeinanycaseunderthisChapter,satisfiesthe
courtthattherearesufficientgroundsforpermittinghimtowithdrawhiscomplaint,thecourtmay
permithimtowithdrawthesameandshallthereuponacquittheaccusedunlessthecourtdirectsthat
theaccusedinsteadofbeingacquittedshallbedischarged.
285.Mannerofhearing
(1)Atthecommencementofthehearing,thecourtshallstateorcausetobestatedtothe
defendantthesubstanceofthecomplaint,andshallaskhimwhetherheisguiltyornotguilty.
(2)Ifthedefendantsaysthatheisguiltyandthecourtissatisfiedthatheintendstoadmitthe
offenceandshowsnocauseornosufficientcausewhysentenceshouldnotbepassedthecourtshall
proceedtosentence.
(3)Ifthedefendantsaysthatheisnotguilty,thecourtshalldirectthatallwitnessesshallleave
thecourtanduponsuchdirection,theprovisionsofsection186oftheEvidenceActallapply:
[Cap.E14.]
Providedthatthejudgeormagistratemayinhisdiscretionpermitprofessionalandtechnicalwitnesses
toremainincourt:
Providedfurtherthatfailuretocomplywiththeprovisionsofthissubsectionshallnotinvalidate
theproceedings.
(4)Thecourtshallthenproceedtohearthecomplainantandsuchwitnessesashemaycalland
suchotherevidenceashemayadduceinsupportofhiscomplaint,andalsotohearthedefendantand
suchwitnessesashemaycallandsuchotherevidenceashemayadduceinhisdefenceandalso,ifthe
courtthinksfit,tohearsuchwitnessesasthecomplainantmaycallinreplyIfthedefendanthascalled
anywitnessesorgivenanyevidence.
(5)Thecomplainantandthedefendantmayputquestionstoeachwitnesscalledbytheother
sideandwherethedefendantgivesevidencehemaybecrossexamined.
(6)Ifthedefendantisnotrepresentedbyalegalpractitioner,thecourtshallatthecloseofthe
examinationofeachwitnessfortheprosecutionaskthedefendantwhetherhewishestoputany
questiontothatwitness,andshallrecordhisanswerontheminutes.
286.Dischargeofaccusedwhennocasetoanswer
Ifatthecloseoftheevidenceinsupportofthecharge,itappearstothecourtthatacaseisnotmade
outagainstthedefendantsufficientlytorequirehimtomakeadefencethecourtshall,astothat
particularcharge,dischargehim.
287.Defence
(1)Atthecloseoftheevidenceinsupportofthecharge,ifitappearstothecourtthataprima
faciecaseismadeoutagainstthedefendantsufficientlytorequirehimtomakeadefence,thecourt
shallcalluponhimforhisdefenceand
(a) ifthedefendantisnotrepresentedbyalegalpractitioner,thecourtshallinformhim
thathehasthreealternativesopentohim,namely
(i) hemaymakeastatement,withoutbeingswornfromtheplacewherehethen
is;inwhichcasehewillnotbeliabletocrossexamination;or
(ii) hemaygiveevidenceinthewitnessboxafterbeingswornasawitness;inwhich
casehewillbeliabletocrossexamination;or
(iii) heneedsaynothingatall,ifhesowishes,
andinaddition,thecourtshallaskhimifhehasanywitnessestoexamineorotherevidencetoadduce
inhisdefenceandthecourtshallthenhearthedefendantandhiswitnessesandotherevidence,ifany;
and
(b) ifthedefendantisrepresentedbyalegalpractitioner,thecourtshallcalluponthelegal
practitionertoproceedwiththedefence.
(2)Ifthedefendantorhislegalpractitionerstatesthathehaswitnessestocallbutthattheyarenot
present,thecourtmay,inthecircumstancessetforthinsections186to193ofthisAct,takethesteps
thereinmentionedtocompeltheirattendance.
288.Savingastosection287(1)(a)
Failuretocomplywiththerequirementsofparagraph(a)ofsubsection287(1)ofthisActshallnotof
itselfvitiatethetrial,providedthatthecourtcalleduponthedefendantforhisdefenceandaskedhimif
hehadanywitnessesandheardthedefendantandhiswitnessesandotherevidence,ifany.
289.Evidenceinreply
Ifthedefendantadducesinhisdefencenewmatter,whichthecomplainantcouldnotforeseethe
complainantmay,withtheleaveofthecourt,adduceevidencetorebutsuchfirstmentionedevidence.
290.Powertotakeevidenceofpersonsdangerouslyill
Wheneveritappearstothecourtthatanypersonwhoissodangerouslyillorhurtthatthereisa
possibilityhemaynotrecoverisableandwillingtogivematerialevidencerelatingtoanyoffencetriable
summarilyanditshallnotbepracticabletotaketheevidenceinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthis
Actofthepersonsoillorhurt,suchmagistratemaytakeinwritingthestatementonoathoraffirmation
ofsuchpersonandshallsubscribethesameandcertifythatitcontainsaccuratelythewholeofthe
statementmadebysuchperson,andshalladdastatementofhisreasonfortakingthesameandofthe
dateandplacewhenandwherethesamewastaken,andshallpreservesuchstatementandfileitfor
record.
291.Noticestobegiventoparties
Thecourtshallcausereasonablenoticeoftheintentiontotakethesameandofthetimeandplace
whereitistobetakentobeservedupontheprosecutorandaccusedandiftheaccusedisincustody,he
shallbebroughtbythepersoninwhosechargeheisunderanorderinwritingofthemagistratetothe
placewherethestatementistobetaken.
292.Transmissionofstatement
Ifthestatementrelatestoanoffenceforwhichanypersonissubsequentlycommittedfortrialunder
Part36ofthisAct,itshallbetransmittedtothecourtinwhichsuchpersonistobetriedandacertified
copyshallbetransmittedtoalawofficer.
[L.N.112of1964.]
293.Whenstatementmaybeusedinevidence
(1)Suchstatementsotakenmayafterwardsbeusedinevidenceonthetrialofanyperson
accusedofanoffencetowhichthesamerelates,inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection35ofthe
EvidenceAct.
[Cap.E14.]
(2)Thesignatureandattestationofthejudgeormagistrateshallbesufficientprimafacieproof
ofanystatement,andthatthesamewastakeninallrespectsaccordingtolawandsuchattestationand
signatureshallbeadmittedwithoutfurtherproofunlessthecourtshallseereasontodoubtthe
genuinenessthereof.
294.Notesofevidencetobetaken
(1)Thecourtshallineverycasetakenotesinwritingoftheoralevidence,orsomuchthereofas
itconsidersismaterial,inabooktobekeptforthatpurposeandsuchbookshallbesignedbythejudge
ormagistrateattheconclusionofeachday'sproceedings.
(2)Nopersonshallbeentitled,asofright,toinspectionofortoacopyoftherecordsokeptas
aforesaid,saveasmaybeexpresslyprovidedforbytherules.
(3)Therecordsokeptasaforesaidoracopythereofpurportingtobesignedandcertifiedasa
truecopybythejudgeormagistrateshallatalltimes,withoutfurtherproof,beadmittedasevidenceof
suchproceedingsandofthestatementsmadebythewitnesses.
295.Localinspection
Itshallbethedutyofacourttryingacasesummarilytomakeorcausetobemadesuchlocalinspection
asthecircumstancesofthecasemayrequire.
296.Crosscomplaints
Whereacomplaintismadebyoneormorepartiesagainstanotherpartyorpartiesandthereisacross
complaintbythedefendantordefendantsinsuchfirstnamedcaseeitherbyhimselforthemselvesor
togetherwithanotherpersonorpersonsagainstthecomplainantorcomplainantsinthefirstnamed
case,eitherbyhimselforthemselvesortogetherwithanotherpersonorpersonsandsuchcross
complaintsarewithreferencetothesamematterthecourtmay,ifitthinksfit,hearanddeterminesuch
complaintsatoneandthesametime.
297.Joinderofcomplaints
Wheretwoormorecomplaintsaremadebyoneormorepartiesagainstanotherpartyorpartiesand
suchcomplaintsrefertothesamematter,suchcomplaintsmay,ifthecourtthinksfit,beheardand
determinedatoneandthesametime.
298.Procedurewhereoffenceappearsunsuitablefordeterminationbycourtoflimitedjurisdiction
Ifinthecourseofthehearing,circumstancesshouldappearwhichcausethecourttobeoftheopinion
thattheoffence,onaccountofitsaggravatedcharacterorothersufficientreason,isnotsuitabletobe
disposedofbysuchcourt,thensuchcourt,may,insteadofadjudicating,committheaccusedfortrial
beforetheHighCourtandshallfollowtheprocedureinPart36ofthisAct,inrelationtopreliminary
inquiries.
Makingoforder
299.Givingofdecisionuponconclusionofhearing
Upontheconclusionofthehearing,thecourtshalleitheratthesameoratanadjournedsittinggiveits
decisiononthecaseeitherbydismissingorconvictingtheaccusedandmaymakesuchotherorderas
mayseemjust.
Bindingover
300.Powertobindpartiestobeofgoodbehaviour
Onanysummarytrialthecourtmay,whetherthecomplaintbedismissedornot,bindoverthe
complainantordefendant,orbothoranyofthem,withorwithoutasuretyorsureties,tobeofgood
behaviour,andmayorderanypersonsobound,indefaultorcompliancewiththeorder,tobe
imprisonedforanytermnotexceedingthreemonths,withorwithouthardlabour,inadditiontoany
otherpunishmenttowhichsuchpersonisliable.
Dismissalandacquittal
301.Effectofjudgmentofdismissal"onmerits""notonmerits"and"withoutprejudice"
(1)Whereacomplaintisdismissedandsuchdismissalisstatedtobeonthemeritssuch
dismissalshallhavethesameeffectasanacquittal.
(2)Whereacomplaintisdismissedandsuchdismissalisstatedtobenotonthemeritsortobe
withoutprejudicesuchdismissalshallnothavethesameeffectasanacquittal.
PART34
Summarytrialbymagistrateofchildoryoungpersonchargedwithanindictableoffence
302.Summarytrialofchildbymagistrateforindictableoffence
(1)Whereachildoryoungpersonischargedbeforeamagistratewithanyindictableoffence,
otherthanacapitaloffence,themagistrate,ifhethinksitexpedientsotodo,may,subjecttotheextent
ofhisjurisdictionandwithoutconsultingtheparentorguardian,dealsummarilywiththeoffenceand,
incaseofthechildoryoungpersonbeingfoundguilty,inflictthesamedescriptionofpunishmentas
mighthavebeeninflictedifthecasehadbeentriedonindictment:
Providedthatinthecaseofachild
(a) whereapenaltyisawarded,theamountshallnotinanycaseexceedfournaira;
(b) whenthechildisamale,thecourtmay,eitherinadditiontoorinlieuofanyother
punishment,orderthechildtoundergocorporalpunishment,ortobesenttoa
Governmentestablishmentoraninstitution,ortobothundergocorporalpunishment
andbesenttoaGovernmentestablishmentoraninstitution;
(c) whenthechildisafemale,themagistratemay,eitherinadditiontoorinlieuofany
otherpunishment,orderthechildtobesenttoaGovernmentestablishmentoran
institution.
(2)Forthepurposeofproceedingsunderthissectionthemagistrateshall,atanytimeduring
thehearingofthecaseatwhichitbecomessatisfiedbytheevidencethatitisexpedienttodealwiththe
casesummarilycausethechargetobereducedintowritingifthishasnotbeenalreadydone.
(3)Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedasauthorisingthetrialofaninfant.
303.Whipping.InaccordancewithPart42
Whereacourtordersachildoryoungpersontoundergocorporalpunishment,suchpunishmentshall
becarriedoutinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart42ofthisActrelatingtocorporalpunishment.
PART35
Summarytrialbymagistrateofadultchargedwithanindictableoffence
304.Summarytrialbymagistrateofindictablecases
(1)Whereapersonwhoisanadultischargedbeforeamagistrate'scourtwithanyindictable
offenceotherthanacapitaloffence,thecourtmay,subjecttotheextentofthejurisdictionofthe
magistrateadjudicating,dealsummarilywiththeoffence:
Providedthatwheretheprosecutionisconductedbyalawofficerthemagistrateshallnotdealwiththe
casesummarilywithouttheconsentofthatlawofficer.
Procedureforobtainingconsenttosummarytrial
(2)Ifamagistrateatanytimeduringthehearingofachargeforsuchanindictableoffenceas
aforesaidagainstapersonwhoisanadultbecomessatisfiedthatitisexpedienttodealwiththecase
summarily,themagistrateshallthereupon,forthepurposeofproceedingsunderthissection,causethe
chargetobereducedintowriting,ifthishasnotbeenalreadydone,andreadtotheaccusedandshall
addresstohimaquestiontothefollowingeffect
"DoyoudesiretobetriedbyajudgeoftheHighCourtorwithajury,asthecasemay,ordoyouconsent
tothecasebeingdealtwithsummarilybythiscourt?"
withastatement,ifthemagistratethinkssuchastatementdesirable,ofthemeaningofthecasebeing
dealtwithsummarilyandofthesittingoftheHighCourtatwhichheislikelytobetried,ifcommitted
fortrialand,iftheaccusedconsentstobetriedsummarily,shallforthwithaskhimthefollowing
question
"Doyoupleadguiltyornotguilty?"
Trialwithoutconsentvoid
(3)IfthemagistrateshallnotinformtheaccusedofhisrighttobetriedbyajudgeoftheHigh
Courtorwithajury,asthecasemaybe,thetrialshallbenullandvoidabinitiounlesstheaccused
consentsatanytimebeforebeingcalledupontomakehisdefencetobetriedsummarilybya
magistrateinwhichcasethetrialshallproceedasiftheaccusedhadconsentedtobeingtriedsummarily
byamagistratebeforethemagistrateproceededtohearevidenceinthecase.
(4)AnywrittenlawinforceatthecommencementofthisActwhichrelatestothesummarytrial
byamagistrateofindictableoffencesorwhichreferstoindictableoffenceswhicharetriablesummarily
byamagistrateshall,subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,beconstrued,asthecasemaybe,as
applyingtosummarytrialbyamagistrateofindictableoffencesunderthissectionorasreferringtoall
indictableoffenceswhicharetriablesummarilybyamagistratethereunder.
305.Powertoremandpersoncharged
(1)Amagistrate,withoutprejudicetoanyotherpowerwhichhemaypossessmay,forthe
purposeofascertainingwhetheritisexpedienttodealwithacasesummarily,eitherbeforeorduring
thehearingofthecase,adjournthecaseandremandthepersoncharged.
(2)Apersonmayberemandedunderthissectioninlikemannerinallrespectsasaperson
accusedofanindictableoffencemayberemanded.
306.Lawofficermayrequirecasetobeadjournedordealtwithspecially
Alawofficerinthecasewhereanychargedoranindictableoffenceisbeingproceededwithsummarily
byamagistrateundertheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActmay,atanytimebeforethedecisionthereof,
byorderinwritingunderhishand,requiresuchmagistratetodealwiththesameasonefortrialon
informationandonreceiptofsuchrequisitionthemagistrateshalldealwithsuchaccordingly.*
307.Adjournmentforlawofficer'sdecision
Whereanadultchargedwithanindictableoffenceisbeingtriedsummarilybyamagistrate,such
magistrateshall,attherequestofanypersoninchargeoftheprosecutionmadeatanytimebeforethe
decisioninthecase,adjournthehearingofthechargeinorderthatalawofficermaybeconsultedwith
aviewtoobtaininganorderasinthelastimmediatelyprecedingsectionmentionedtohavethecase
dealtwithasonefortrialoninformation.
308.Generalprovisionsasdealingsummarilywithindictableoffence
WhereanindictableoffenceisinthecircumstancesmentionedinthisPartofthisActauthorisedtobe
dealtwithsummarilybyamagistrate
(a) theprocedureshall,untilthecourtassumesthepowertodealwiththeoffencesummarily,be
thesameinallrespectsasiftheoffenceweretobedealtwiththroughoutasanindictable
offence,butwhenandsosoonasthecourtassumesthepowertodealwithsuchoffence
summarily,theprocedureshallbethesamefromandafterthatperiodasiftheoffencewerea
summaryconvictionoffenceandnotanindictableoffence,andtheotherprovisionsofthisAct
shallapplyaccordingly:
Providedthatnothinghereincontainedshallbeconstruedtopreventthecourtfromdealingthereafter
withtheoffenceasanindictableoffence,ifitthinksfitsotodo;
(b) theevidenceofanywitnesstakenbeforethecourtassumedthepowertodealwiththeoffence
summarilyneednotbetakenagainbuteverysuchwitnessshall,ifthedefendantsorequires,be
recalledforthepurposeofcrossexamination;
(c) theconvictionforanysuchoffenceshallbeofthesameeffectasaconvictiononatrialon
informationfortheoffence;
(d) wherethecourthasassumedthepowertodealwiththeoffencesummarilyanddismissesthe
complaintonthemeritsitshall,ifrequired,delivertothepersonchargedacopy,certifiedunder
thehandofthemagistrate,oftheorderofdismissal,andsuchdismissalshallbeofthesame
effectasanacquittalonatrialonindictmentfortheoffence.
309.Securityforkeepingthepeace,inindictablecasestriedsummarily
Anypersonconvictedofanyindictableoffencetriedsummarilymay,insteadoforinadditiontoany
punishmenttowhichheisliable,beorderedtoenterintohisownrecognisance,withorwithout
sureties,insuchamountasthecourtthinksfitthatheshallkeepthepeaceandbeofgoodbehaviour
foratimetobefixedbythecourtandmaybeorderedtobeimprisoneduntilsuchrecognisance,with
suretiesifsodirected,isenteredintobutsothattheimprisonmentfornotenteringintothe
recognisanceshallnotextendforatermlongerthanoneyearandshallnottogetherwiththefixedterm
ofimprisonment,ifany,extendforatermlongerthanthelongesttermforwhichhemightbe
sentencedtobeimprisonedwithoutfine.
CHAPTER5
PART36
Preliminaryinquirybyamagistrateintoanindictableoffence
Placeofinquirynotanopencourt
310.Preliminaryinquirynotanopencourt
Theroomorplaceinwhichapreliminaryinquiryisheldorinwhichastatementundersection319of
thisActistakenisnotanopenorpubliccourtforthatpurpose,andthecourtmayifitthinksthatthe
endsofjusticeshallbebestansweredbysodoing,orderthatnopersonhaveaccesstoorbeorremain
inthatroomorplacewithouttheexpresspermissionofthecourt.
Localinspectionandmedicalexamination
311.Makingoflocalinspectionandexaminationofinjuredperson
(1)Itshallbethedutyofamagistrateholdingapreliminaryinquiry
(a) tomakeorcausetobemadesuchlocalinspectionasthecircumstancesofthecase
mayrequire;and
(b) ifnecessaryinanycaseofhomicideorseriousinjurytotheperson,tocausethebodyof
thepersonkilledor,ifheconsents,ofthepersoninjuredtobeexaminedbyaqualified
medicalpractitioner,ifanysuchcanbehad,andifnotthen,ifthecourtconsidersit
necessary,bythemostcompetentpersonthatcanbeobtained,andthedepositionof
suchmedicalofficerorotherpersonshallafterwards,ifnecessary,betaken.
(2)Everyqualifiedmedicalpractitionerorotherpersonasaforesaidwhorefusesorneglects,
withoutreasonableexcusetocomplywithanyorderordirectionofamagistrategivenunderthis
section,shallbeliable,onsummaryconviction,toapenaltyoftwohundrednaira.
WhereundertheprovisionsofthisoranyotherAct,amagistrateholdsapreliminaryinquiry,the
followingprovisionsshallapply
(a) whenanaccusedpersonisbeforeamagistrate,themagistrateshallcausethe
substanceofthecomplainttobestatedtotheaccusedwhoshallnotberequiredto
makeanyreplythereto;ifanysuchreplyismade,itshallnotberecordedbythe
magistrate;
(b) themagistrateshallexaminethewitnessesfortheprosecutionapartfromeachother,
unlessthemagistratethinksitisnecessaryorconducivetotheendsofjusticethatany
particularwitnessshouldbepermittedorrequiredtobepresentduringthewholeor
anypartoftheexaminationofanyotherofthewitnesses;
(c) theevidenceofsuchwitnessesshallbegiveninthepresenceoftheaccusedandthe
accusedshallbeentitledtocrossexaminethemandshallbeinformedofsuchrightif
notrepresentedbyalegalpractitioner;
(d) theevidenceofeverysuchwitnessshallbetakendowninwritingbythemagistratein
theformofadeposition;
[1954No.24.]
(e) suchdepositionshallbereadovertothewitnessinthepresenceandhearingofthe
accusedandshallbesignedbythewitnessandthemagistrateandbytheinterpreter,if
any,orifthewitnessrefusestosignorisincapableofsigning,thenbythemagistrate
andthemagistrateshallassoonaspracticablethereafterbindoverthewitnessto
attendthetrialinmannerhereinafterprovided;
(f) anywitnesswhorefuseswithoutreasonableexcusetosignhisdepositionmaybe
committedbythemagistrateholdingtheinquirybywarranttoprisonorotherplaceof
safecustody,theretobekeptuntilthetrialoruntilthewitnesssignshisdeposition
beforeamagistrate:
Providedthattheaccusedpersonisafterwardsdischarged,themagistratemayorderanysuchwitness
tobedischarged.
313.Bindingoverofwitnessesforprosecution
[L.N.47of1955.]
(1)Themagistrateholdingthepreliminaryinquiryshallbindovereverywitnessforthe
prosecutionwhosedepositionhasbeentakentoattendtogiveevidenceatthetrialoftheaccused
personbeforetheHighCourt.
(2)Everywitnesssoboundovershallenterintoarecognisanceandsuchrecognisanceshall
specifythenameandsurnameofthepersonenteringintoit,hisoccupationorprofession,ifany,andhis
address.
(3)Suchrecognisancemaybeeitheratthefootofthedepositionorseparatetherefrom,and
shallbeacknowledgedbythepersonenteringintoit,andbesubscribedbythemagistratebeforewhom
itisacknowledged.
(4)Anywitnesswhorefuses,withoutreasonableexcuse,toenterintosuchrecognisancemaybe
committedbythemagistrateholdingtheinquirybyawarranttoprisonorotherplaceofsafecustody,
theretobekeptuntilafterthetrial,oruntilthewitnessentersintosuchrecognisancebeforea
magistrate:
Providedthatiftheaccusedpersonisafterwardsdischarged,anymagistratemayorderanysuch
witnesstobedischargedforthwith.
314.Provisionsastotakingofdepositionsandcautiontoandstatementofaccusedonproceedings
beforemagistrate
(1)Ifatthecloseoftheevidencefortheprosecutionaprimafaciecasehasintheopinionofthe
magistratebeenestablishedagainsttheaccused,immediatelyafterthelastwitnessfortheprosecution
hasbeenboundovertoattendthetrial,themagistrateshallagainreadthechargeorreadtheamended
orsubstitutedchargetotheaccusedandexplainthenaturethereoftohiminordinarylanguageand
informhimthathehastherighttocallwitnessesand,ifhesodesires,togiveevidenceonhisown
behalf.
(2)Aftersodoing,themagistrateshallthenaddresstohimthefollowingwordsorwordstothe
likeeffect
"Doyouwishtosayanythinginanswertothecharge?Youarenotobligedtosayanythingunlessyou
desiretodoso,butwhateveryousaywillbetakendowninwritingandmaybegiveninevidenceupon
yourtrial."
(3)Beforetheaccusedmakesanystatementinanswertothecharge,themagistrateshallstate
tohimandgivehimclearlytounderstandthathehasnothingtohopefromanypromiseoffavourand
nothingtofearfromanythreatwhichmayhavebeenheldouttohimtoinducehimtomakeany
admissionorconfessionofhisguilt,butthatwhatsoeverhethensaysmaybegiveninevidenceonhis
trialnotwithstandingthepromiseorthreat.
(4)(a)Whatevertheaccusedthenstatesinanswertothechargeshallbetakendowninfulland
shallbereadovertotheaccusedwhoshallbeatfulllibertytoexplainoraddtohisstatementwhich
shallbesignedbythemagistrateandalso,iftheaccusedsodesires,byhimandshallbetransmittedto
thecourtoftrialwiththedepositionsofthewitnessesinmannerhereinafterprovided.
(b) Onthetrial,thestatementoftheaccusedtakendownasaforesaid,andwhethersigned
byhimornot,maybegiveninevidencewithoutfurtherproofthereofunlessitisproved
thatthemagistratepurportingtosignthestatementdidnotinfactsignit.
(5) (a) Immediatelyaftercomplyingwiththerequirementsofthissectionrelatingtothe
statementoftheaccusedandwhethertheaccusedhasorhasnotmadeastatement,
themagistrateshallasktheaccusedwhetherhedesirestogiveevidenceonhisown
behalforwhetherhedesirestocallwitnesses.
(b) Iftheaccused,inanswertothequestion,statesthathewishestogiveevidencebutnot
tocallwitnessesthemagistrateshallproceedtotakeforthwiththeevidenceofthe
accused,andaftertheconclusionoftheevidenceoftheaccusedthelegalpractitionerif
any,appearingfortheaccused,shallbeheardonhisbehalfifhesodesires.
(c) Iftheaccusedinanswertothequestionstatesthathedesirestogiveevidenceonhis
ownbehalfandtocallwitnessesortocallwitnessesonly,themagistrateshallproceed
totakeeitherforthwith,orifanaddressistobemadebyalegalpractitioneronbehalf
oftheaccusedaftertheconclusionofthataddress,theevidenceoftheaccused,ifhe
desirestogiveevidencehimself,andofthewitnesscalledbyhimwhoknowsanything
relatingtothefactsandcircumstancesofthecaseoranythingtendingtoprovethe
innocenceoftheaccused.
(d) Allstatementsmadebytheaccusedshallbetakendowninwritingandallevidence
givenbyhimoranysuchwitnessasaforesaidunderthissubsectionshallbetakendown
inwritingintheformofadepositionandtheprovisionsofparagraph(e)ofsection312
ofthisActrelatingtothereadingoverandsigningofdepositionsofwitnessesforthe
prosecutionshallapplytosuchdepositionsandsuchstatementanddepositionsshallbe
transmittedtothecourtoftrialtogetherwiththeotherdepositionsofthewitnessesfor
theprosecution.
315.Procedurewherewitnessfordefencenotpresent
Iftheaccusedpersonstatesthathehaswitnessestocallbutthattheyarenotpresentincourtandthe
courtissatisfiedthattheabsenceofthewitnessesisnotduetoanyfaultorneglectoftheaccusedand
thatthereisalikelihoodthattheycouldifpresentgivematerialevidenceonhisbehalf,thecourtmay
adjourntheinquiryandissueprocess,ortakeothersteps,tocompeltheattendanceofsuchwitnesses.
316.Bindingoverofwitnessesfordefence
(1)Themagistrateholdingthepreliminaryinquiryshallbindovereverywitnessforthedefence
whoseevidenceis,intheopinionofthemagistrate,material,togiveevidenceatthetrialoftheaccused
personbeforethecourt.
(2)Everywitnesssoboundovershallenterintoarecognisanceandsuchrecognisanceshallbe
inthesameformandcontainthesamematterssofarasmaybeapplicableastherecognisanceentered
intoundersection313ofthisAct.
317.Statementgenerallyadmissible
Nothingcontainedinsection314ofthisActshallpreventtheprosecutorinanycasefromgivingin
evidenceatthetrialanyadmissionorconfessionorotherstatementoftheaccusedmadeatanytime
whichisbylawadmissibleasevidenceagainsttheaccused.
318.Courtmaytakefurtherevidenceaftercloseofcaseforprosecution
Notwithstandinganythingcontainedinsections312,314,315and319ofthisAct,themagistratemayif
hethinksfitandalthoughthecasefortheprosecutionhasbeenclosed,taketheevidenceoffurther
witnessesfortheprosecutionorrecallanywitnessforfurtherexamination.
319.Depositionofwitnessunabletoattend
(1)Whereanypersonabletogivematerialevidenceinrespectofanindictableoffencein
respectofwhichapreliminaryinquiryisproceedingis,fromillnessorinjury,unabletoattendatthe
placewherethemagistrateusuallysits,anymagistrateshallhavepowertotakethedepositionofsuch
personattheplacewheresuchpersonis.
(2)Themagistratetakingthedepositionshall,wherepracticable,byanorderinwritingunder
hishand,causereasonablenoticetobeservedontheprosecutorandtheaccused,ifnotincustody,of
hisintentiontotakethesameandofthetimeandplacewhereitistobetaken;andiftheaccusedisin
custody,directtheofficerinchargeoftheprisonhavingthecustodyoftheaccusedtocausehimtobe
conveyedtotheplacewheretheexaminationistobetaken,forthepurposeofbeingpresentwhenitis
taken,andtobetakenbacktoprisonafterwards.
(3)Theprovisionsofsection312ofthisActrelating,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection310of
thisAct,tothepersonswhomaybepresentatthetakingofthedeposition,tocrossexamination,tothe
takingdownoftheevidenceandtothereadingoverandsigningofthedepositionshall,sofarasthe
sameareapplicable,applytodepositionstakenunderthissection.
(4)Everydepositiontakenunderthissection,ifsuchdepositionwastakenbysomeother
magistrate,shallbeforwardedtothemagistratebywhomthepreliminaryinquiryintosuchindictable
offenceisbeingorhasbeenheldandsuchdepositionshallbetreatedinallrespectsinthesameway
andshallbeconsideredforallpurposesasadepositiontakenuponthepreliminaryinquiry.
(5)Inthissection"magistrate"includesamagistrateofacourtestablishedforanyotherState.
320.Amagistratemaycontinueapreliminaryinquirybegunbyanothermagistrate
Shouldthemagistrateinitiatingthepreliminaryinquirybeunableforanysufficientreasontocontinueit
afteranadjournment,itshallnotbenecessaryforhissuccessortorecommencesuchinquiry,unlessit
appearstohimthatthecaseisoneonwhichheshouldadjudicatefinally,butheshallreadoveraloudin
thepresenceofthepartiesthedepositionsalreadytaken.
321.Markingofexhibits
Themagistratetakingdepositionsshallcauseallwritingsandotherarticlesexhibitedbythewitnesses,
oranyofthem,tobeinventoriedandlabelled,orotherwisemarked,inthepresenceoftheperson
producingthesame,sothatthesamemaybeidentifiedatthetrial.
322.Magistratetoauthenticatedepositionsandstatementoftheaccused
Thesignatureofthemagistrateshallbeattheendofthedepositionofeachwitnesscalledforthe
prosecutionandforthedefenceandattheendofanystatementmadebytheaccusedinanswertothe
chargeandshalltherebyauthenticatethedepositionofthewitnessandthestatementmadebythe
accused.
323.Magistrateshallconsiderdefencebeforecommitting
Themagistratebeforedeterminingwhetherhewillornotcommitanyaccusedpersonfortrial,shall
takeintoconsiderationhisstatementoranysuchevidenceasisgivenbyhimorhiswitnesses.
324.Whereevidencecontradictory
Wherethereisaconflictofevidence,themagistrateshallconsidertheevidencetobesufficienttoput
theaccusedonhistrialiftheevidenceagainsthimissuchas,ifuncontradicted,wouldraiseaprobable
presumptionofhisguilt.
Dischargeandcommittalfortrial
325.Discharge
(1)Ifthecourtconsidersthattheevidenceagainsttheaccusedisnotsufficienttoputhimonhis
trial,thecourtshallforthwithorderhimtobedischargedastotheparticularchargeunderinquirybut
suchdischargeshallnotbeabartoanysubsequentchargeinrespectofthesamefacts.
(2)Iftheaccusedisdischarged,anyrecognisancetakeninrespectofthechargeshallthen
becomevoid.
(3)Nothingcontainedinthissectionshallpreventthecourtfromeitherforthwith,oraftersuch
adjournmentoftheinvestigationasmayseemexpedientintheinterestofjustice,proceedto
investigateanyotherchargeuponwhichtheaccusedmayhavebeensummonedorotherwisebrought
beforethecourt,orwhichinthecourseofthechargesodismissedasaforesaiditmaybeappearthat
theaccusedhascommitted.
326.Commitment
Ifthemagistrateconsiderstheevidencesufficienttoputtheaccusedonhistrial,heshallcommithim
fortrialtotheHighCourtandshall,untilthetrial,eitheradmithimtobailorsendhimtoprisonforsafe
keeping;thewarrantofthemagistrate'scourtshallbesufficientauthoritytothepersoninchargeofany
prisonappointedforthecustodyofprisonerscommittedfortrial,althoughoutofthedistricttowhich
suchmagistrateisassigned.
[L.N.47of1955.]
327.Allegationatpreliminaryinquirythataccusedwasinsaneattimeofoffence
Whentheaccusedappearstobeofsoundmindatthetimeofthepreliminaryenquiry,thecourt,
notwithstandingthatitisallegedthatatthetimewhentheactwascommitted,inrespectofwhichthe
accusedpersonischarged,hewasbyreasonofunsoundnessofmindincapableofknowingthenature
oftheactorthatitwaswrongandcontrarytolaw,shallproceedwiththecase,and,iftheaccused
oughttobecommittedfortrial,thecourtshallsocommithim.
328.Procedurewhenaccuseddoesnotunderstandproceedings
Iftheaccused,thoughnotinsane,cannotbemadetounderstandtheproceedings,themagistratemay
proceedwiththepreliminaryinvestigation;andifsuchinvestigationresultsinacommittalfortrial,the
proceedingsshallbeforwardedtotheHighCourtwithareportofthecircumstances,andtheHighCourt
shallpassthereonsuchorderasmaydeemnecessaryinthecircumstance.
[L.N.47of1955.]
Conditionalbindingoverofwitnesses
329.*Bindingoverofwitnessesconditionally
(1)Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsections313and316ofthisAct,whereanyperson
chargedbeforeamagistratewithanindictableoffenceiscommittedfortrialanditappearstothe
magistrate,aftertakingintoaccountanythingwhichmaybesaidwithreferencetheretobytheaccused
ortheprosecutor,thattheattendanceatthetrialofanywitnesswhohasbeenexaminedbeforehimis
unnecessarybyreasonofanythingcontainedinanystatementbytheaccused,oroftheaccusedhaving
pleadedguiltytothechargeoroftheevidenceofthewitnessbeingmerelyofaformalnature,the
magistrateshallifthewitnesshasnotalreadybeenboundover,bindhimovertoattendthetrial
conditionallyuponnoticebeinggiventohimandnototherwise,orshall,ifthewitnesshasalreadybeen
boundover,directthatheshallbetreatedashavingbeenboundovertoattendonlyconditionallyas
aforesaid,andshalltransmittothecourtoftrialastatementinwritingofthenames,addressesand
occupationsofthewitnesseswhoare,orwhoaretobetreatedashavingbeenboundovertoattend
thetrialconditionally.
(2)Whereawitnesshasbeen,oristobetreatedashavingbeen,boundoverconditionallyto
attendthetrial,theprosecutororthepersoncommittedfortrialmaygivenotice
[13of1953.]
(a) atanytimebeforetherecordofthepreliminaryinquiryistransmittedtothecourtof
trialinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection330ofthisAct,totheregistrarofthe
magistrate'scourt;and
(b) atanytimethereaftertotheregistrarofthecourtoftrial,
thathedesiresthewitnesstoattendatthetrial,andanysuchregistrartowhomanysuchnoticeis
given,shallforthwithnotifythewitnessthatheisrequiredsotoattendinpursuanceofthe
recognisance.
(3)Themagistrateshalloncommittingtheaccusedfortrialinformhimofhisrighttorequirethe
attendanceatthetrialofanysuchwitnessasaforesaidandofthestepswhichhemusttakeforthe
purposeofenforcingsuchattendance.
(4)Whereanypersonhasbeencommittedfortrialforanyoffence,thedepositionofawitness
whoseattendanceatthetrialisstatedtobeunnecessaryinaccordancewiththeprovisionsof
subsections(1),(2)and(3)ofthissectionmay,iftheconditionshereinaftersetoutaresatisfied,without
furtherproofbereadasevidenceonthetrialofthatperson,whetherforthatoffenceorforanyother
offencearisingoutofthesametransaction,orsetofcircumstances,asthatoffence;theconditions
hereinbeforereferredtoarethefollowing
(a) itmustbeprovedatthetrial,eitherbyacertificatepurportingtobesignedbythe
magistratebeforewhomthedepositionpurportstohavebeentakenorbytheoathofa
crediblewitness,thatthedepositionwastakeninthepresenceoftheaccusedandthat
theaccusedoralegalpractitioneronhisbehalfhadfullopportunityofcrossexamining
thewitness;
(b) thedepositionmustpurporttobesignedbythemagistratebeforewhomitpurportsto
havebeentaken:
Providedthattheprovisionsofthissubsectionshallnothaveeffectinanycaseinwhichitisproved
(i) thatthedeposition,or,wheretheproofrequiredbyparagraph(a)ofthis
subsectionisgivenbymeansofacertificate,thatthecertificate,wasnotinfact
signedbythemagistratebywhomitpurportstobesigned;or
(ii) thatthewitnessbywhomthedepositionwasmadehasbeendulynotifiedthatheis
requiredtoattendthetrial.
*Subsection(1)ofsection3OrdinanceNo.13of1953madethefollowingamendmenttosection329viz
(a)itsubmittedthewordsexaminedbeforehimforthewordsexaminedbeforetheminsubsection(1);
(b)itsubstitutedanewsubsection(2)(asprinted)fortheformersubsection(2);
(c)itaddedsubsection(4).
Subsection(2)ofthesaidsection3ofOrdinanceNo.13of1953(assubstitutedbyL.N.76of1955)provided
(2)TheprovisionsofthissectionshallcomeintooperationineachRegiononadatetobenotifiedbytheGovernorbyNotice
intheGazetteoftheRegion,andinLagosandinthesouthernCameroonsondatestobenotifiedbytheGovernorGeneralin
theGazetteoftheFederationandintheGazetteoftheSouthernCameroonsrespectively.
InpursuanceoftheseprovisionsofthissubsectiontheprovisionsofthesectionhavebeenbroughtintooperationinLagoson
the1stdayofJune1957(L.N.51of1957),intheNorthernRegiononthe1stdayofMay,1958(N.R.L.N.36of1958),inthe
WesternRegiononthe1stdayofMay,1958(W.R.L.N.185of1958),andintheSouthernCameroonsonthe1stdayofMay,
1958(S.C.L.N.of1958).
IntheEasternRegionsection329hasbeenamendedinthesamemannerasinsection3(1)ofOrdinanceNo.3of1953by
section3oftheCriminalProcedure(EasternRegion)(Amendment)Law,1955(E.R.No.5of1955).
thenames,addressesandtheoccupationsofthewitnesseswhoare,orwhoaretobetreatedas
havingbeenboundovertoattendthetrialconditionally.
(2)whereawitnesshasbeen,orisboundtobetreatedashavingbeen,boundover
conditionallytoattendthetrial,theprosecutororthepersoncommittedfortrialmaygivenotice
[13of1953]
(a) atanytimebeforetherecordofthepreliminaryinquiryistransmittedtothecourtof
trialinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection330ofthisAct,totheregistrarofthe
magistratescourt;and
(b)atanytimethereaftertotheregisterofthecourttrial,
thathedesiresthewitnesstoattendatthetrial,andanysuchregistertowhomanysuchnoticeisgiven,
shallforthwithnotifythewitnessthatheisrequiredsotoattendthetrialinpursuanceofthe
recognisnace.
(3)Themagistrateshallontheshalloncommittingtheaccusedfortrial,informhimofhisright
torequiretheattendanceatthetrialofanysuchwitnessasaforesaidandofthestepswhichhemust
takeforthepurposeofenforcingsuchattendance.
(4)whereanypersonhasbeencommittedtheaccusedfortrialforanyoffence,thedeposition
ofawitnesswhoseattendanceatthetrialisstatedtobeunnecessaryinaccordancewiththeprovisions
ofsubsections(1),(2)and(3)ofthissectionmay,ifheconditionshereinaftersetoutaresatisfied,
withoutfurtherproofbereadasevidenceonthetrialofthatperson,whetherforthatoffenceorforany
otheroffencearisingoutofthesametransaction,orsetofcircumstances,asthatoffence;thecondition
hereinafterreferredtoarethefollowing
(a) itmustbeprovedatthetrial,eitherbyacertificatepurportingtobesignedbythe
magistratebeforewhomthedepositionpurportstohavebeentakenorbytheoathofa
crediblewitness,thatthedepositionwastakeninthepresenceoftheaccusedandthat
theaccusedoralegalpractitioneronhisbehalfhadfullopportunityofcrossexamining
thewitness;
(b) thedepositionmustpurporttobesignedbythemagistratebeforewhomitpurportsto
havebeentaken;Providedthatthedeposition,wheretheproofrequiredby
paragraph(a)ofthissubsectionshallnothaveeffectinanycaseinwhichitisproved
(i) thatthedeposition,or,wheretheproofrequiredbyparagraph(a)ofthis
subsectionisgivenbythegivenbymeansofcertificate,thatthecertificate,was
notinfactsignedbythemagistratebywhomitpurportstobesigned;or
(ii) thatthewitnessbywhomthedepositionwasmadehasbeendulynotifiedthat
heisrequiredtoattendthetrial.
Transmissionofdepositions,recognisancesandexhibits
330.Returnstobemadetocourtandlawofficer,orDirectorofPublicProsecutionsoraStatecounsel
Thewrittencharge,ifany,thedepositions,thestatementoftheaccused,hisanswersrecordedunder
subsection(5)(a)ofsection314ofthisAct,ifany,therecognisancesoftheprosecutorandwitnesses
andtherecognisanceofbail,ifany,andanydocumentsandexhibitswhichhavebeenputinevidence,
shallbetransmittedinpropertimetotheregistrarofthecourtbeforewhichthetrialistobeheld;and
anauthenticatedcopyofthedepositionsandstatementandansweraforesaidandwherepracticableof
anydocumentswhichhavebeenputinevidence,shallbetransmittedtoalawofficer,ortotheDirector
ofPublicProsecutionsoraStatecounselasmaybemostconvenient.
[Order47of1951.L.N.1of1955.]
331.Depositionsfreeofchargeforpersonscommitted
Apersonwhohasbeencommittedfortrialshallbefurnished,freeofcharge,beforethetrialwithacopy
ofthedepositionsandwherepracticableofanydocumentswhichhavebeenputinevidence:
Providedthatifthepersoncommittedstatesthathedoesnotrequiresuchcopies,itshallnotbe
necessarytosupplythem.
Adjudicationbymagistrateinsteadofcommittalfortrial
332.Whencourtmayadjudicatefinally
Ifitshallappeartothemagistrateinthecourseofapreliminaryinquirythattheoffenceisonewhich
thecourthasjurisdictiontotrysummarilyandisofsuchanaturethatitcanbesuitablydealtwithunder
thepowersincriminalcasespossessedbythecourt,hemay,subjecttotheprovisionsofParts33and35
ofthisAct,hearandfinallydeterminethematter,andeitherconvicttheaccusedordismissthecharge:
Providedthatineverysuchcasetheaccusedshallbeentitledtohaverecalledforcrossexaminationall
witnessesfortheprosecutionwhomhehadnotalreadycrossexaminedorfullycrossexamined.
ControloftheStateinproceedingsinwhichanaccusedhasbeencommittedfortrial
333.LawOfficerorStateCounselmayreferbackcaseforfurtherevidence
(1)Atanytimeafterthereceiptofthedepositionsandotherdocumentsmentionedinsection
330ofthisActandbeforetheindictmentisfiled,aLawOfficerorStateCounselmay,ifhethinksfit,
referbackthecasetothemagistratewithdirectionstoreopentheinquiryforthepurposeoftaking
furtherevidence,andwithsuchotherdirectionsashethinksproper;ifacaseisreferredbackasherein
provided,theinquiryshallbereopenedandthecaseshallbedealtwithinallrespectsasiftheaccused
personhadnotbeencommittedfortrial.
(2)AnydirectionsgivenbyaLawOfficerorStateCounselunderthissectionshallbeinwriting
signedbyhim,andshallbeputintoeffectbythemagistrate.
(3)TheLawOfficerorStateCounselmayatanytimeaddto,alterorrevokeanysuchdirections.
(4)If,uponreceiptofthedepositionsandotherdocumentsmentionedinsection330ofthisAct,
whetherornottheinquiryhasbeenreopenedunderthissection,aLawOfficerisofopinionthatthe
accusedpersonshouldnothavebeencommittedfortrialbutthatthecaseshouldhavebeendealtwith
summarily,theLawOfficermay,ifhethinksfit,referthecasebacktothemagistratewithdirectionsto
dealwiththesameaccordingly,andwithsuchotherdirectionsashemaythinkproper.
(5)WhenaLawOfficerorStateCounseldirectsthataninquiryshallbereopenedorwherea
LawOfficerdirectsthatacaseshallbedealtwithsummarily,thefollowingprovisionsshallhaveeffect
(a) iftheaccusedisincustody,themagistrateshallbyanorderinwritingunderhishand
directtheofficerinchargeoftheprisonhavingthecustodyofsuchaccusedpersonto
conveyhimorcausehimtobeconveyedtotheplacenamedinsuchorderforthe
purposeofbeingdealtwithasthemagistratemaydirect;
(b) iftheaccusedpersonisonbail,themagistrateshallissueasummonsforhisattendance
atatimeandplacenamedinsuchsummonsandiftheaccusedpersondoesnotattend
inobediencetosuchsummons,themagistrateshallissueawarrantforhis
apprehensionandineithereventtheproceedingsshallthereafterbecontinuedundertheprovisionsof
Parts33and35ofthisAct.
(6)Theprovisionsofthissectionshallbeinadditiontoandnotinderogationofanyother
powersvestedintheAttorneyGeneraloftheFederationoraStateundertheprovisionsofanywritten
law.
CHAPTER6
ProceedingsafteranaccusedhasbeencommittedbyamagistratetotheHighCourtfortrial
PART37
334.Trialoninformation
WhereatrialistotakeplaceintheHighCourtafterpreliminaryinquiryandcommittalfortrialtothe
HighCourtbyamagistrate,suchtrialshall,saveasprovidedforinPart38,beoninformation.
[L.N.47of1955.]
335.Certaincasestobetriedbyjury
ThePresidentmaybyorderdirectthatanyoffenceorclassofoffencesarisinginanyplaceordistrict
specifiedinsuchorderandchargedagainstanypersonorclassofpersonsasmayalsobespecifiedin
suchorder,shallbetriedwithajuryandanypersonchargedwithanoffencedirectedbyanysuchorder
tobetriedwithajuryshall,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection336ofthisAct,besotriedinaccordance
withtheprovisionsofthisAct.
336.Judgetodecideincertaincases
Whereapersonischargedinoneinformationwithtwoormoreoffencesoneormoreofwhichare
triablewithajuryandoneormorebyajudgewithorwithoutassessors,thetrialshallbewithajury
unlesstheprincipaloffencechargedistriablewithoutajuryandthejudgeshalldirectthatthetrialofall
thechargesshallbeheardwithoutajuryorthattheoffencestriablewithajuryshallbetriedseparately
fromtheotheroffences.
Information
337.Formofinformation
EveryInformationshallbeardateofthedaywhenthesameissignedand,withsuchmodificationsas
shallbenecessarytoadaptittothecircumstancesofeachcase,maycommenceinthefollowingform
[L.N.112of1964.]

TheStatev.C.D.
IntheHighCourtoftheState
The..............................................................................................................JudicialDivision
Thedayof,20..
Atthesessionsheldat.
onthedayof,20,thecourtisinformedbytheAttorneyGeneralonbehalf
oftheStatethatC.D.ischargedwiththefollowingoffence[oroffences].
338.Contentsofinformation
(1)WhereaninformationisexhibitedtotheHighCourtundertheprovisionsofthisAct
(a) adescriptionoftheoffencechargedinsuchinformationor,wheremorethanone
offenceissocharged,ofeachoffencesocharged,shallbesetoutintheinformationina
separateparagraphcalledacount;
(b) acountofaninformationshallcommencewithastatementoftheoffencecharged,
calledthestatementofoffence;
(c) thestatementofoffenceshalldescribetheoffenceshortlyinordinarylanguage,
avoidingasfaraspossibletheuseoftechnicaltermsandwithoutnecessarilystatingall
theessentialelementsoftheoffence,and,iftheoffencechargedisonecreatedbya
writtenlaw,shallcontainareferencetothatwrittenlaw;
(d) afterthestatementofoffence,particularsofthatoffenceshallbesetoutmordinary
language:
Providedthat,whereanywrittenlawlimitstheparticularsofanoffencewhicharerequiredtobegiven
inaninformation,nothinginthisparagraphshallrequireanymoreparticularstobegiventhanthoseso
required;
(e) whereaninformationcontainsmorethanonecourt,thecountsshallbenumbered
consecutively.
FormsinThirdSchedule
(2)TheformssetoutintheThirdScheduletothisActheretoorformsconformingtheretoas
nearlyasmaybe,shallbeusedinthecasestowhichtheyareapplicableandinothercases,formstothe
likeeffectorconformingtheretoasnearlyasmaybeshallbeused,thestatementofoffenceandthe
particularsofoffencebeingvariedaccordingtothecircumstancesofeachcase.
[ThirdSchedule.]
339.Applicationofsections151to180toinformations
Theprovisionsofsections151to180ofthisActshallapply,mutatismutandis,tocountsofan
information.
[1966No.84.]
Proceedingspreliminarytotrial
340.Procedureoninformationofoffenders
(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofthissection,aninformationcharginganypersonwithan
indictableoffencemaybepreferredbyanypersonbeforetheHighCourtcharginganypersonwithan
indictableoffenceforwhichthatpersonmaylawfullybeindicted,andwhereveraninformationhas
beensopreferredtheregistrarshall,ifheissatisfiedthattherequirementsofsection341ofthisAct
havebeencompliedwith,filetheinformationanditshallthereuponbeproceededwithaccordingly:
Providedthatiftheregistrarshallrefusetofileaninformation,ajudge,ifsatisfiedthatthesaid
requirementshavebeencompliedwith,may,ontheapplicationoftheprosecutororonhisownmotion,
directtheregistrartofiletheinformationanditshallbefiledaccordingly.
(2)Subjectashereinafterprovided,noinformationcharginganypersonwithanindictable
offenceshallbepreferred,unlesstheinformationispreferredpursuanttoanordermadeunderPart31
ofthisActtoprosecutethepersonchargedforperjury:
Providedthat,achargeofapreviousconvictionofanoffenceorofbeinganhabitualcriminalorofbeing
anhabitualdrunkardmay,notwithstandingthatitwasnotincludedinanysuchdirectionasaforesaid,
beincludedintheinformation.
(3)Ifaninformationpreferredotherwisethaninaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthelast
foregoingsubsectionhasbeenfiledbytheregistrar,theinformationshallbeliabletobequashed:
Providedthat
(a) iftheinformationcontainsseveralcounts,andthesaidprovisionshavebeencomplied
withasrespectsoneormoreofthem,thosecountsonlythatwerewronglyincluded
shallbequashedunderthissection;and
(b) whereapersonwhohasbeencommittedfortrialisconvictedonanyinformationoron
anycountofaninformation,thatinformationorcountshallnotbequashedunderthis
sectioninanyproceedingsonappeal,unlessapplicationwasmadeatthetrialthatit
shouldbesoquashed.
341.SigningofinformationonbehalfofState
(1)Allinformationsshall,subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(2)andsection342ofthisAct,
besignedbyalawofficer.
(2)WheretheGovernorshallforreasonsofpublicconveniencethinkfit,aninformationmaybe
signedbyanyotherpublicofficerorpersonwhomtheGovernormaydesignate.
[L.N.257of1959.]
342.Informationbyprivateperson
Theregistrarshallreceiveaninformationfromaprivatepersonif
[L.N.112of1964.]
(a) ithasendorsedthereonacertificatebyalawofficertotheeffectthathehasseensuch
informationanddeclinestoprosecuteatthepublicinstancetheoffencethereinset
forth;and
(b) suchprivatepersonhasenteredintoarecognisanceinthesumofonehundrednaira
togetherwithonesuretytobeapprovedbytheregistrarinthelikesum,toprosecute
thesaidinformationtoconclusionatthetimesatwhichtheaccusedshallberequiredto
appearandtopaysuchcostsasmaybeorderedbythecourt,or,inlieuofenteringinto
suchrecognisanceshallhavedepositedonehundrednairaincourttoabidethesame
conditions.
343.Conditionsforprivateprosecutors
Whereanyprivatepersonhascompliedwiththeprovisionsofsection342ofthisActtheinformation
shallbesignedbysuchpersonandnotbyalawofficer,orotherpersondesignatedbytheGovernoras
aforesaidandsuchpersonshallbeentitledtoprosecutetheinformation.
[1968No.13.L.N.257of1959.L.N.258of1959.L.N.112of1964.]
Venue
344.Venue
Theplaceoftrialshallbedeterminedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection64ofthisAct.
345.Changeofvenue
Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsection344ofthisAct
(a) whereanycauseiscommencedinanyotherdivisionthanthatinwhichitoughttohave
beencommenceditmay,notwithstanding,betriedtherein,unlessthedefendantshall
objecttheretoatorbeforethetimewhenheiscalledupontopleadortostatehis
answerinsuchcause;and
(b) eithertheprosecutorortheaccused,wheneverheconsidersthattheendsofjusticeso
requires,inanycasemayapplytothecourteithertotransferthehearingfromone
divisiontoanotherorfromonepartofonedivisiontoanotherpartofthesamedivision.
346.Effectofchangeofvenue
Whereanycaseshallbetransferredfromoneplaceinadivisiontoanotherplaceinthesamedivisionor
toanotherdivision,suchcaseshallbetriedanddeterminedattheplaceorinthedivisiontowhichithas
beensotransferred;andallrecognisances,subpoenas,andproceedingsinorrelatingtothecaseshall
thereuponbedeemedtobereturnableatsuchlatterplaceordivisionandallwitnesseswhoarebound
byrecognisancesorsummonedtoattendthetrialshallbeinformedaccordinglyandshallattendatsuch
latterplaceordivision.
Noticeoftrial
347.Formofnoticeoftrial
Theregistrarorhisdeputy,oranyotherpersondirectedbythecourt,shallendorseon,orannexto,
everycopydeliveredtothesherifforproperofficer,forservicethereof,anoticeoftrial,whichnotice
shallspecifytheparticularsessionsatwhichthepartyistobetriedonthesaidinformationandshallbe
inthefollowingform,orasneartheretoasmaybe
A.B.Takenoticethatyouwillbetriedontheinformationwhereofthisisatruecopy,atthesessionsto
beheldat...
onthe.dayof,20.
348.Copyofinformationandnoticeoftrialtobedeliveredtosheriff
Theregistrarorotherproperofficershalldeliver,orcausetobedelivered,tothesherifforproper
officerservingtheinformation,acopythereof,withthenoticeoftrialendorsedonthesameorannexed
thereto,andiftherearemorepartieschargedthanonethenasmanycopiesasthereareparties,
togetherwithasimilarnoticeforserviceoneachwitnessboundtoattendthetrial.
349.Timeandmodeofsummoningpartiesoninformation
(1)Thesherifforotherproperofficeraforesaidshall,assoonasmaybeafterhavingreceiveda
copyoftheinformationandnoticeoftrial,andthreedaysatleastbeforethedayspecifiedthereinfor
trial,orwithinsuchlessertimeasthecourtmayforgoodcauseorder,byhimselforhisdeputyorother
officer,delivertothepartychargedthesaidcopyandnoticeandexplaintohimthenaturethereof,and
whenthesaidpartyisnotincustodyorshallhavebeenadmittedtobailandcannotreadilybefoundhe
shallleaveacopyofthesaidinformationandnoticeoftrialwithsomeoneofhishouseholdforhimat
hisdwellinghouseorwithoneofhissuretiesforbailandifnonesuchcanbefound,shallaffixthesaid
copyandnoticetotheouterorprincipaldoorofthedwellinghouseofthepartychargedorofanyofhis
suretiesforbail:
Providedthatnothinghereincontainedshallpreventanypersonincustodyorawaitingtrialatthe
openingoforduringanysessions,frombeingtriedthereat,ifheshallhavebeenservedwithacopyof
theinformationandnoticeoftrialnotlessthanthreedaysbeforethedateonwhichheistobetried:
Providedfurtherthatsuchlastmentionedperiodofthreedaysmaybereducedtoashorterperiodif
suchpersonshallexpresshisassenttheretoandnospecialobjectionbemadetheretoonthepartofthe
State.
[L.N.112of1964.]
(2)Thesherifforotherproperofficershallinlikemannerdelivertoeachwitnessthesaidnotice
oftrial.
350.Returnofservice
Theofficerservingthecopyofthesaidinformationandnoticesshallforthwithmaketotheregistraror
otherproperofficerareturnofthemodeofservicethereof.
Proceedingsattrialandsubsequentproceedings
351.Benchwarrantwhereaccusedpersondoesnotappear
Whereanypersonagainstwhomaninformationhasbeendulypreferred,andwhoisthenatlarge,does
notappeartopleadtosuchinformation,whetherheisunderrecognisancetoappearornot,thecourt
mayissueawarrantforhisapprehension.
352.CounselforStateanddefenceincapitalcases
WhereapersonisaccusedofacapitaloffencetheStateshall,ifpracticable,berepresentedbyalaw
officerorlegalpractitioner,andiftheaccusedisnotdefendedbyalegalpractitionerthecourtshall,if
practicable,assignalegalpractitionerforhisdefence.
353.Arraignment.Timeforraisingcertainobjections
(1)Thepersontobetrieduponaninformationshallbearraignedinaccordancewiththe
provisionscontainedinPart24ofthisAct,relatingtothetakingofpleasandtheprocedurethereon.
[1966No.84.]
(2)Afterthepleaoftheaccusedtotheinformationoranycountthereofhasbeenrecorded,it
shallnolongerbeopentotheaccusedtoraisewithrespecttohiscaseanyobjectionrelatingtothe
validityofanyofthefollowingmatters,thatistosay
(a) thepreliminaryinquiry;
(b) thecommittalfortrial;
(c) anydirectionorconsentgiveninthecasebyajudgeinpursuanceofsection340(2)(b)ofthis
Act;
(d) anyordermadeinthecaseunderPart31ofthisActfortheprosecutionoftheaccusedfor
perjury.
Attendanceofwitnesses
354.Attendanceofwitnessboundbyrecognisancetoattend
Everypersonwhoisboundbyrecognisancetoattendatanycriminalsessionsasawitness,whetherfor
theprosecutionorforthedefence,inanycasetobetriedatsuchsessions,shall,ifhehasreceiveda
subpoenaornotice,beboundtoattendthecourtonthedayappointedforthetrialofsuchcase,andon
subsequentdaysofthesessions,untilthecasehasbeendisposedoforuntilhehasbeendischargedby
thecourtfromfurtherattendance.
355.Warrantforapprehensionofwitnessnotattendingonrecognisance
Ifanypersonwhohasbeenboundbyrecognisancetoattendasawitness,whetherfortheprosecution
orforthedefence,atthetrialofanycasedoesnotattendthecourtonthedayappointedforthetrialof
suchcaseafterhavingbeenservedwithnoticeofthetrial,andnoreasonableexcuseisofferedforsuch
nonattendance,thecourtmayissueawarranttoapprehendsuchperson,andtobringhim,atatimeto
bementionedinthewarrant,beforethecourtinordertogiveevidenceonbehalfoftheprosecutionor
ofthedefence,asthecasemaybe.
356.Warrantforapprehensionofwitnessdisobeyingsummons
Ifanypersontowhomanywritofsubpoenaisdirecteddoesnotattendthecourtatthetimeandplace
mentionedtherein,andnoreasonableexcuseisofferedforsuchnonattendance,then,uponthecourt
beingsatisfiedthatthewritwasdulyservedorthatthepersontowhomthewritisdirectedwilfully
avoidsserviceandthatsuchpersonislikelytogivematerialevidence,thecourtmayissueawarrantto
apprehendsuchperson,andtobringhim,atatimetobementionedinthewarrant,beforethecourtin
ordertogiveevidenceonbehalfoftheprosecutionorofthedefence,asthecasemaybe.
357.Finefornonattendanceofwitness
Everypersonwhomakesdefaultinattendingasawitnessineitherofthecasesmentionedinthetwo
lastprecedingsectionsshallbeliable,onthesummaryorderofthecourt,toafineoffortynaira,andin
defaultofpayment,toimprisonmentforatermoftwomonths.
358.Writsofsubpoena
Everypersonwhoseattendanceasawitness,whetherfortheprosecutionorforthedefence,isrequired
inanycase,andwhohasnotbeenboundbyrecognisancetoattendasawitnessatthecriminalsessions
atwhichsuchcaseistobetried,maybesummonedbyawritofsubpoena.
359.Serviceofsubpoena
Theregistrar,onbeingfurnishedwiththenamesandplacesofabodeofanywitnessesonbehalfofthe
prosecutionordefencewhoseattendanceisrequiredtobesecuredbysubpoena,shallprepareand
delivertothesheriffforserviceawritorwritsofsubpoenadirectedtosuchwitnesses,togetherwithas
manycopiesthereofastheremaybewitnessesnamedinsuchwritorwritsandwhenapplicationshall
bemadetopostponeanytrialbyreasonoftheabsenceofanywitnessstatedtobematerial,itshallbe
takenasprimafacieevidencethatthepartyapplyingforsuchpostponementhasnotexercisedalldue
andnecessarydiligencetosecuretheattendanceofsuchwitness,ifitshallappearthatnosubpoenato
suchwitnesswasissuedoutfourcleardaysattheleastbeforethefirstdayofthecriminalsessions.
Miscellaneousprovisions
360.ApplicationofPart20totrialsunderthisPart
InadditiontotheprovisionshereinbeforeinthisPartprovidedinrespectofwitnesses,theprovisions
containedinPart20ofhisAct,shallmutatismutandis,applytowitnessesrequiredtogiveevidenceina
casetriableunderthisPartofthisAct.
361.ApplicationofActtotrialsunderthisPart
InadditiontotheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActandtotheotherexpressprovisionsofthisorany
otherenactmentrelatingtotrialsofindictableoffences,theprovisionsofthisActrelatingtoevidence,
adjournment,addresses,thedischargeandsentencingofconvictedpersons,theawardingof
compensation,costsandthedirectingandorderingofforfeituresandalsoallotherincidentalmatters
relatingtothetrialofacaseotherthanthosespecificallyapplicabletotrialwithajuryorwithassessors,
shallbeapplicabletoatrialoninformation.
362.Recordingofjudgmentandsentence
Thejudgmentandsubsequentsentenceofthecourtshallbeendorsedbytheregistraronthe
information.
363.TrialsaccordingtopracticeofHighCourtofJustice
TheprocedureandpracticeforthetimebeinginforceoftheHighCourtofJusticeinEnglandincriminal
trialsshallapplytotrialsintheHighCourtinsofarasthisActhasnotspecificallymadeprovision
therefor.
[L.N.112of1964.]
PART38
Summarytrialaftercommittal
364.Summarytrialaftercommittalwherenoinformationfiled
(1)WhenanaccusedpersonhasbeencommittedbyamagistratefortrialbytheHighCourtand
ifonorbeforethedayappointedfortrialofsuchaccusedaninformationagainsthimhasnotbeenfiled
orifonsuchdaynodulyauthorisedpersonappearsbeforethecourttoprosecutethecaseonbehalfof
theState,thepresidingjudge
(a) shalldirecttheregistrartochargetheaccusedwiththeoffenceinrespectofwhichhe
hasbeencommittedfortrial;and
(b) mayinhisdiscretiondirecttheregistrartochargetheaccusedwithanyotheroffence
foundedintheopinionofthepresidingjudgeonthefactsdisclosedinthedepositions;
and
(c) shallexplainthesubstanceofthechargeorchargestotheaccusedandrequirehimto
pleadthereto.
(2)Iftheaccusedadmitsthetruthofthecharge,thecourtmayconvicthimandpasssentence
accordingtolaw.
(3)Iftheaccuseddoesnotadmitthetruthofthecharge,thecourtshallproceedtohearthe
witnessesandtodeterminethecase;thejudgeshalltakesuchstepsashemaybeauthorisedtouseto
enforcetheattendanceofsuchanaccusedpersoncommittedfortrialandallmaterialwitnessesashe
maythinkfit.
365.ProcedureattrialunderthisPart
ThetrialofanaccusedunderthisPartofthisActshallbeinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisActso
faras,intheopinionofthejudge,thesamemaybeapplicable.
CHAPTER7
[1960No.30.]
Provisionsrelatingtosentencesofdeath,imprisonment,caningandfine
PART39
General
366.Constructionofprovisionsrelatingtopunishments
Subjecttotheprovisionsofanywrittenlawrelatingtoanyspecificoffenceorclassofoffenceandtothe
jurisdictionconferredonanycourtoronanypersonpresidingoversuchcourt,theprovisions
hereinafterinthisChaptercontainedshallapplytosentencesofdeath,imprisonment,caningandfine.
PART40
Capitalsentences
367.Death
(1)Thepunishmentofdeathisinflictedbyhangingtheoffenderbythenecktillhebedead.
(2)Sentenceofdeathshallbepronouncedinthefollowingform
"Thesentenceofthecourtuponyouisthatyoubehangedbytheneckuntilyoubedeadandmaythe
Lordhavemercyonyoursoul."
368.Priorformalitiesgenerally
(1)Wheresentenceofdeathhasbeenpassed,suchsentenceshallonlybecarriedoutin
accordancewiththeprovisionsofthisPartofthisAct.
(2)Whereawomanfoundguiltyofacapitaloffenceisfoundinaccordancewiththeprovisions
ofsection376ofthisActtobepregnant,thesentenceofdeathshallnotbepassedonher,butinlieu
thereof,sheshallbesentencedtoimprisonmentforlife.
Whereoffenderisyoungperson
(3)Whereanoffenderwhointheopinionofthecourthadnotattainedtheageofseventeen
yearsatthetimetheoffencewascommittedisfoundguiltyofacapitaloffence,sentenceofdeathshall
notbepronouncedorrecorded,butinlieuthereof,thecourtshallordersuchpersontobedetained
duringthepleasureofthePresidentandifsoorderedheshallbedetainedinaccordancewiththe
provisionsofPart44ofthisActnotwithstandinganythingtothecontraryinanywrittenlaw.
[1966No.84.]
369.Authorityfordetention
Acertificateunderthehandoftheregistrar,orotherofficerofthecourt,thatsuchsentencehasbeen
passed,andnamingthepersoncondemned,shallbesufficientauthorityforthedetentionofsuch
person.
370.JudgetoreporttoGovernor
Afterthesentenceofdeathhasbeenpronouncedthepresidingjudgeshall,assoonasconvenientlymay
be,forwardtotheGovernoracopyofthefindingandsentenceandofhisnotesofevidencetakenon
thetrialtogetherwithareportinwritingsignedbyhimcontaininganyrecommendationorobservations
onthecasewhichhethinksfittomake.
371A.ProcedurewherepowerofpardonvestedinPresident
Theprovisionsofsection371Bto317GofthisActshallapplyinthecaseofasentenceofdeathforan
offenceinrespectofwhichthepowerofpardonisvestedinthePresident.
[1961No.40.]
371B.Judge'scertificateofdeathsentencetobesufficientandfullauthorityforexecutionof
offender,unlessheispardonedorreprieved
Anyjudgewhopronouncesasentenceofdeathshallissueunderhishandandthesealofthecourta
certificatetotheeffectthatsentenceofdeathhasbeenpronounceduponthepersonnamedinthe
certificate,andsuchcertificateshallbesufficientandfullauthorityinlawforthedetentionofthe
offenderinsafecustodyuntilthesentenceofdeathpronounceduponhimcanbecarriedintoeffectand
forcarryingsuchsentenceofdeathintoeffectinaccordancewithandsubjecttotheprovisionsofthis
Part.
371C.Stepstobetakenbytheregistrar
Theregistrarofthecourtbywhichthepersonissentencedtodeathshall,assoonaspracticableafter
sentencehasbeenpronounced
(a) handtwocopiesofthecertificateissuedbythejudgeundertheprovisionsofsection
371BofthisActtothepoliceofficerresponsibleforthesafecustodyofthesentenced
person,oneofwhichcopiesshallberetainedbythepoliceofficerandtheotherhanded
tothesuperintendentorotherofficerinchargeoftheprisoninwhichthepersonisto
beconfined;
(b) transmittothesheriffonecopyofthesaidcertificate;and
(c) fileonecopyofthesaidcertificatewiththerecordoftheproceedingsinthecase.
371D.JudgetoforwardreporttoMinister
Thejudgewhopassedsentenceshallassoonaspracticableaftersentencehasbeenpronounced,
transmittotheMinisterdesignatedtoadvisethePresidentontheexerciseoftheprerogativeofmercy
(hereafterinthisPartreferredtoastheMinister)acertifiedcopyoftherecordoftheproceedingsatthe
trial,togetherwithacopyofthecertificateissuedbyhimundertheprovisionsofsection371Bofthis
Act,andareportinwritingsignedbyhimcontaininganyrecommendationsorobservationswithrespect
tothesentencedpersonandwithrespecttohistrialthathethinksfittomake.
371E.StateatwhichMinistertoconsiderreport
(1)Whereaperson
[1961No.40.]
(a) hasbeensentencedtodeath;and
(b) hasexercisedhislegalrightsofappealagainsttheconvictionandsentenceandthe
convictionandsentencehavenotbeenquashedorthesentencehasnotbeenreduced,
orhasfailedtoexercisehislegalrightsofappealorhavingfiledanapplicationforleavetoappealoran
appeal,hasfailedtoperfectorprosecutesuchapplicationorappealwithinthetimeprescribedbylaw,
theMinistershall,afterconsideringthereportmadeundersection371DofthisAct,andafterobtaining
theadviceoftheAdvisoryCouncilonthePrerogativeofMercy,decidewhetherornottorecommend
thatthesentenceshouldbecommutedtoimprisonmentforlife,orthatthesentenceshouldbe
commutedtoanyspecificperiod,orthattheoffendershouldbeotherwisepardonedorreprieved.
(2)Where,forthepurposesofsubsection(1)ofthisAct,theAdvisoryCouncilonthePrerogative
ofMercyisrequiredtoadvisetheMinisterinrelationtoanypersonsentencedtodeath,theAttorney
GeneraloftheFederationshallcausearecordofthecasetobepreparedandsubmittedtotheAdvisory
Council,andtheAdvisoryCouncilshall,ingivingitsadvice,haveregardtothematterssetoutinthat
record.
371F.Wherenocommutation,pardonorreprieve
IftheMinisterdecidesnottorecommendthatthesentenceshouldbecommutedorthattheoffender
shouldbeotherwisepardonedorreprievedheshallcausethesherifftobeinformedandthesentence
ofdeathpronouncedupontheoffendershallbecarriedintoeffectinaccordancewithandsubjectto
theprovisionsofthisPartofthisActandthesheriffshallthereuponmakearrangementsaccordingly
pursuanttothesentenceofdeathpronouncedupontheoffender.
371G.Whereacommutation,pardonorreprieveisgranted
(1)WheretheMinisterdecidestorecommendthatthesentenceshouldbecommutedorthat
theoffendershouldbeotherwisepardonedorreprieved,heshallissueanorder,onecopyofwhich
shallbesenttothesuperintendentorotherofficerinchargeoftheprisoninwhichtheoffenderis
confinedandanothercopyofwhichshallbesenttothesheriff,directingthattheexecutionbenot
proceededwith,and,asthecasemaybe,thattheoffenderbeimprisonedinaccordancewiththe
recommendation,orthattheoffenderbereleased,subjectineithercasetosuchconditions,ifany,as
maybespecified.
(2)Thesheriffandthesuperintendentorotherofficerinchargeoftheprisoninwhichthe
offenderisconfinedshallcomplywithandgiveeffecttoeveryorderissuedundertheprovisionsof
subsection(1)ofthisAct.
372.Copyofordertobesenttojudge
Theappropriateauthorityshallcommunicatehisdecisiontothejudgewhopresidedoverthetrialorto
hissuccessorinofficesendingtosuchjudgeacopyofhisorderandsuchjudgeshallcausesuchorderto
beenteredintherecordofthecourt.
373.Formoforder
(1)TheorderoftheappropriateauthorityshallbeunderhishandandthePublicSealandshall
beasinoneoftheformssetoutintheFourthScheduleofthisActorasneartheretoascircumstances
permitandifthesentenceistobecarriedoutshallstatetheplaceandtimewhereandwhenthe
executionistobehadandgivedirectionsastotheplaceofburialofthebodyormaydirectthatthe
executionshalltakeplaceatsuchtimeandatsuchplaceandthebodyofthepersonexecutedbeburied
atsuchplaceasshallbeappointedbysomeofficerspecifiedintheorder.
[FourthSchedule.]
(2)Whentheplaceortimeofexecutionortheplaceofburialisappointedbysomepersonand
isnotstatedintheorderoftheappropriateauthority,thespecifiedofficershallendorseontheorder
overhissignaturetheplaceandtimeofexecutionandplaceofburialofsomeoneormoreofthem
accordingtothetermsoftheorder.
374.CopyofordertobesenttosherifforGovernor
AcopyoftheorderoftheappropriateauthorityunderhishandandthePublicSealshallbesent,ifthe
executionistotakeplaceinLagos,tothesheriffandifelsewheretotheGovernorofaStateinwhich
theexecutionistobecarriedintoeffectandthesherifforGovernor,asthecasemaybe,shallhave
effectgiventhereto:
[L.N.131of1954.L.N.1of1955.]
Providedthatifforanyreasonacopyoftheorderoftheappropriateauthoritybenotreceivedbythe
sherifforGovernorbeforethedatefixedthereinorendorsedthereonforexecution,thesaidsheriffor
Governorshallneverthelesshavetheordercarriedintoeffectupontheearliestconvenientdayafter
receiptthereof:
Providedfurtherthatthesubstanceoftheorderoftheappropriateauthoritymayinthefirstinstance
becommunicatedbytelegraphtotheGovernorofaStatewhoshallthentelegraphtotheappropriate
authorityforaconfirmatorytelegram,andonreceiptofsuchconfirmatorytelegram,theGovernorshall
issuedirectionstocauseeffecttobegiventothetermsoftheorderoftheappropriateauthority.
375.Ordertobesufficientauthority
(1)ThesaidcopyoftheorderoftheappropriateauthorityunderhishandandthePublicSealor
thedirectionsissuedbytheGovernorundersection374ofthisActshallbesufficientauthorityinlawto
allpersonstocarrythesentenceintoeffectinaccordancewiththetermsthereof.
(2)Whenevertheappropriateauthorityasdefinedinsection370ofthisActistheGovernorofa
State,anorderunderhishandshallbesufficientauthorityinlawnotwithstandingthattheplacewhere
theexecutionistobehadmaybeoutsidetheStateofsuchGovernor.
Procedurewherewomanconvictedofcapitaloffenceisallegedtobepregnant
376.Procedurewherewomanconvictedofcapitaloffenceisallegedtobepregnant
(1)Whereawomanconvictedofanoffencepunishablewithdeathallegesthatsheispregnant,
orwherethecourtbeforeorbywhichawomanissoconvictedthinksfitsotodo,thecourtshall,before
sentenceispassedonher,determinethequestionwhetherornotsheispregnant.
(2)Thequestionwhetherthewomanispregnantornotshallbedeterminedbythecourton
suchevidenceasmaybelaidbeforeitonthepartofthewomanoronthepartoftheprosecution,and
thecourtshallfindthatthewomanisnotpregnantunlessitisprovedaffirmativelytothesatisfactionof
thecourtthatsheispregnant.
(3)Whereonproceedingsunderthissectionthecourtfindsthewomaninquestionisnot
pregnant,thecourtshallpronouncesentenceofdeathuponher.
(4)AnappealshalllietotheSupremeCourtagainstsuchfindingandthatcourt,ifsatisfiedthat
thefindingshouldbesetaside,shallquashthesentencepassedonherandinlieuthereofpassonhera
sentenceofimprisonmentforlife.
(5)Therightsconferredbythissectiononawomanconvictedofanoffencepunishablewith
deathshallbeinsubstitutionfortherightofsuchawomantoallegeinstayofexecutionthatsheis
quickwithchildthelastmentionedrighthavingceasedexist.
(6)Thecourtshallreporttotheappropriateauthorityanycaseinwhichthecourtpassesa
sentenceofimprisonmentforlifeunderthissection.
anywrittenlawbyanycourtshallbecarriedoutwithoutthepreviousconsentoftheGovernorandafter
thepublicationofsuchnoticenosuchsentencepassedonanychiefnamedthereinshallbecarriedout
withoutsuchconsentandtheGovernormayinhisdiscretionfinethesaidchiefinlieuofthesentenceof
thecourt.
[L.N.257of1959.]
(2)Thecourtmayorderthesaidchieftobedetainedincustodyor,initsdiscretion,mayrelease
himonbailuntilthedecisionoftheGovernorbeknownandanysuchperiodofdetentionshall,ifthe
sentencewasoneofimprisonmentandiftheGovernorordersthatthesentenceshallbecarriedout,be
reckonedaspartofthesentenceofimprisonmentpassedasaforesaid.
379.Powertoorderdetentionforonedayinprecinctsofthecourt
Wherethecourthaspowertopassasentenceofimprisonmentthecourt,inlieuofpassingsentenceof
imprisonment,mayorderthattheoffenderbedetainedwithintheprecinctsofthecourtoratany
policestationtillsuchhour,notlaterthaneightintheeveningonthedayonwhichheisconvicted,as
thecourtmaydirect:
Providedthatthecourtshall,beforemakinganorderofdetentionunderthissection,takeinto
considerationthedistancebetweentheplaceofdetentionandtheoffender'sabode,ifhisabodeis
knowntoorascertainableby,thecourt,andshallnotmakeanysuchorderofdetentionunderthis
sectionaswilldeprivetheoffenderofareasonableopportunityofreturningtohisabodeonthedayon
whichsuchorderofdetentionismade.
380.Consecutivesentencesofimprisonment
Whereasentenceofimprisonmentispassedonanypersonbyacourt,thecourtmayorderthatthe
sentenceshallcommenceattheexpirationofanyothertermofimprisonmenttowhichthatpersonhas
beenpreviouslysentencedbyanycompetenttribunalinNigeria,sohoweverthatwheretwoormore
sentencespassedbyamagistrate'scourtareorderedtorunconsecutively,theaggregatetermof
imprisonmentshallnotexceedfouryearsorthelimitofjurisdictionoftheadjudicatingmagistrate,
whicheveristhegreater.
381.Datefromwhichsentencecommences
Asentenceofimprisonmenttakeseffectfromandincludesthewholeofthedayofthedateonwhichit
waspronounced.
382.Powertoinflictfineinlieuofimprisonment
(1)Subjecttotheotherprovisionsofthissection,whereacourthasauthorityunderanywritten
lawtoimposeimprisonmentforanyoffenceandhasnotspecificauthoritytoimposeafineforthat
offence,thecourtmay,initsdiscretion,imposeafineinlieuofimprisonment.
(2)InthecaseofaconvictionintheHighCourt,theamountofthefineshallbeinthediscretion
ofthecourt,andanytermofimprisonmentimposedindefaultofpaymentofthefineshallnotexceed
twoyears.
(3)Inthecaseofaconvictioninamagistrate'scourt
(a) theamountofthefineshallbeinthediscretionofthecourtbutshallnotexceedthe
maximumfineauthorisedtobeimposedbythemagistratebyorunderthelawbyvirtue
ofwhichhewasappointedamagistrate;and
(b) notermofimprisonmentimposedindefaultofpaymentofthefineshallexceedthe
maximumfixedinrelationtotheamountofthefinebythescalespecifiedinsubsection
(2)ofsection390ofthisAct.
(4)Innocaseshallanytermofimprisonmentimposedindefaultofpaymentofafinewhichhas
beenimposedbyvirtueofthepowerinthatbehalfcontainedinsubsection(1)ofthissectionexceed
themaximumtermauthorisedasapunishmentfortheoffencebythewrittenlaw.
(5)Theprovisionsofthissectionshallnotapplyinanycasewhereawrittenlawprovidesa
minimumperiodofimprisonmenttobeimposedforthecommissionofanoffence.
383.Escapedprisoners:effectofescapeonpunishment
Apersonwhoescapesfromlawfulcustodywhileundergoingasentenceinvolvingdeprivationofliberty
isliableuponrecapturetoundergothepunishmentwhichhewasundergoingatthetimeofhisescape,
foratermequaltothatduringwhichhewasabsentfromprison,aftertheescapeandbeforethe
expirationofthetermofhisoriginalsentence,whetheratthetimeofhisrecapturethetimeofthat
sentencehasorhasnotexpired.
PART42
Caning
384.Tobecanedonceonly
Nopersonshallbesentencedtobecanedmorethanonceforthesameoffence.
[30of1960.]
385.Femaleormaleover45nottobecaned
Nosentenceofcaningshallbepassedonanyfemaleoranymalewho,intheopinionofthecourt,has
attainedtheageof45years.
[1960No.30.]
386.Caningwithalightrodandnotmorethantwelvestrokes
(1)Caningshallbewithlightrodorcaneorbirch,andthenumberofstrokesshallbespecifiedin
thesentenceandshallnotexceedtwelve.
(2)Whereapersonisconvictedofoneormoreoffencesatonetrialthetotalnumberofstrokes
awardedshallnotexceedtwelve.
387.Incertaincasescaningadditionaltootherpunishment
Whenanypersonisconvictedofanyoffenceforwhichheisliabletoimprisonmentforaperiodofsix
monthsormore,thecourtmay,ifitthinksfit,havingregardtotheprevalenceofcrimewithinits
jurisdictionortotheantecedentsoftheoffender,sentencesuchoffendertocaningeitherinadditionto
orinlieuofanyotherpunishmenttowhichtheoffenderisliable.
388.Inflictionofsentencesofcorporalpunishment
(1)Inthecaseofasentenceororderinvolvingcorporalpunishment,suchpunishmentshallbe
carriedoutatsuchplaceasthecourtmaydirectandassoonaspracticable,unlessthepersonconvicted
givesnoticeofappealorofhisintentiontoappealorofhisintentiontoapplyforleavetoappeal,asthe
casemaybe,inwhichcasesuchpunishmentshallnotbecarriedoutuntilthedeterminationofthe
appeal,orincaseswhereapplicationforleavetoappealisfinallyrefused,oftheapplication,and
pendingthedeterminationoftheapplicationtoappealortheappeal,asthecasemaybe,theaccused
shallbekeptincustodyormaybereleasedonbailasthecourtmayorder.
(2)Whereasentenceororderofcorporalpunishmentasaforesaidhasuponappealbeen
confirmedorvaried,thesentenceororderofcorporalpunishmentasconfirmedorvaried,asthecase
maybe,shallbecarriedoutassoonaspracticablethereafterandifthepersonuponwhomthesentence
ororderistobecarriedoutisonbailanddoesnotsurrendertohisbail,orifnotincustodydoesnot
voluntarilysurrenderhimself,thecourtwhichconvictedsuchpersonmayissueawarranttoarrestthe
saidpersonwhoshallthereuponbeapprehendedandthesentenceororderofcorporalpunishment
shallthereafterbecarriedoutassoonaspracticable.
PART43
Fines
389.Fine,imprisonmentindefaultof
Apersonconvictedofanoffencepunishableby
(a) imprisonmentaswellasfine,andsentencedtopayafine,whetherwithorwithout
imprisonment;or
(b) imprisonmentorfine,andsentencedtopayafine,
maybeorderedtosufferimprisonment,indefaultofpaymentofthefine,foracertainterm,which
imprisonmentshallbeinadditiontoanyotherimprisonmenttowhichhemayhavebeensentenced.
390.Generalpowerofawardingimprisonmentindefaultofpaymentofpenalty
(1)Wherebyanywrittenlawthecourtisempoweredtoimposeapenaltyforasummary
convictionoffenceitmay,intheabsenceofexpressprovisiontothecontraryinthesameoranyother
writtenlaw,orderadefendantwhoisconvictedofsuchoffence,indefaultofpaymentofthesumof
moneyadjudgedtobepaidbytheorder,eitherforthwithoratthetimespecifiedintheorder,asthe
casemaybe,tobeimprisoned,withorwithouthardlabour,inaccordancewiththescalesetforthin
thissection.
Scaleofimprisonmentfornonpaymentofmoneyadjudgedtobepaid
(2)Subjectineverycasetotheprovisionsofthewrittenlawonwhichtheorderisfounded,the
periodofimprisonment,whetherwithorwithouthardlabour,whichisimposedbythecourtinrespect
ofthenonpaymentofanysumofmoneyadjudgedtobepaidbyanordershallbesuchperiodasinthe
opinionofthecourtwillsatisfythejusticeofthecasebutshallnotexceedthemaximumfixedinthe
followingscale,thatistosay
Wherethefine
Theperiodof
imprisonmentshall
notexceed
doesnotexceedonenaira(N1)
exceedonenaira(N1)anddoesnotexceedtwonaira(N2)
exceedtwonaira(N2)anddoesnotexceedtwentynaira(N20)
exceedtwentynaira(N20)anddoesnotexceedsixtynaira(N60)
exceedsixtynaira(N60)anddoesnotexceedonehundrednaira(N100)
exceedonehundrednaira(N100)anddoesnotexceedtwohundrednaira
(N200)....
exceedsixtynaira(N60)anddoesnotexceedonehundrednaira(N
100)..
exceedfourhundrednaira(N400....
Sevendays;
Fourteendays;
Onemonth;
twomonths;
fourmonths;
sixmonths;
oneyear;
twoyears
Limitationofimprisonmentindefaultofpaymentoffine
(3)Nocommitmentfornonpaymentofafineshallbeforalongerperiodthantwoyears,
exceptwherethelawunderwhichtheconvictionhastakenplaceenjoinsorallowsalongerperiod.
[2of1959.]
Assessmentoffine
391.Paymentandallocationoffinesandfees
Acourt,infixingtheamountofanyfinetobeimposedonanoffender,shalltakeintoconsideration,
amongstotherthings,themeansoftheoffendersofarastheyappearorareknowntothecourtand
whereafineisimposedthepaymentofthecourtfeesandpolicefeespayableinthecaseuptoand
includingconviction,shallnotbetakenintoconsiderationinfixingtheamountofthefineorbeimposed
inadditiontothefine,buttheamountofthefine,orofsuchpartthereofasmaybepaidorrecovered,
shallbeappliedasfollows
(a) inthefirstplaceintherepaymenttotheinformantorcomplainantofanycourtorotherfees
paidbyhimandorderedbythecourttoberepaid;
(b) inthesecondplacethepaymentofanycourtfeesnotalreadypaidbytheinformantor
complainantwhichmaybepayableunderrulesofcourt;
(c) thebalance,ifany,remainingaftertheaforesaidpaymentshavebeenmadeshallbepaidinto
generalrevenue.
Commitmentofdefendantfornonpaymentoffineorpenalty
392.Powertocommitdefendantincertaincases
(1)Ineverycasewhereanorderismadeagainstanypersonforthepaymentofasumofmoney
andsuchpersonisliabletobeimprisonedforacertaintermunlesssuchsumshallbesoonerpaid,the
courtmaybedoalloranyofthefollowingtherefor
(a) issueawarrantofcommitmentforthwith;
(b) allowtimeforthepaymentofthesaidsum;
(c) directpaymentofthesaidsumtobemadebyinstalments;or
(d) directthatthepersonliabletopaythesaidsumshallbeatlibertytogive,tothe
satisfactionofthecourt,
security,eitherwithorwithoutasuretyorsureties,forthepaymentofthesaidsumoranyinstalment
thereof.
Allowanceoffurthertimeandpaymentbyinstalments
(2)Wheretimehasbeenallowedforthepaymentofasumadjudgedtobepaidbyaconviction
ororder,furthertimemay,onanapplicationbyoronbehalfofthepersonliabletopaysuchsum,be
allowedbyacourthavingjurisdictiontoissueawarrantofcommitmentinrespectofthenonpayment
ofsuchsumasaforesaid,orsuchcourtmay,subjectasaforesaid,directpaymentbyinstalmentsofthe
sumsoadjudgedtobepaid.
Defaultinonepaymentrendersallpayable
(3)Whereasumofmoneyisdirectedtobepaidbyinstalmentsanddefaultismadeinthe
paymentofanyoneinstalment,thesameproceedingsmaybetakenasifdefaulthadbeenmadeinthe
paymentofalltheinstalmentsthenremainingunpaid.
Surrenderbeforecommittaldate
(4)If,beforetheexpirationofthetimeallowed,thepersonconvictedsurrendershimselftothe
courthavingjurisdictiontoissueawarrantofcommitmentinrespectofthenonpaymentofsuchsum
asaforesaid,andstatesthatheprefersimmediatecommittaltoawaitingtheexpirationofthetime
allowed,thecourtmay,ifitthinksfit,forthwithissueawarrantcommittinghimtoprison.
393.Powertopostponeissueofwarrantofcommitment
(1)Ifthepersonliabletopayanysumandtowhomtimehasbeengiventopay,eitherwithor
withoutasuretyorsureties,makesdefaultinsuchpaymentorfailstoenterintothesecurityrequired
bythecourt,thecourtmayissueitswarrantofcommitmentrequiringanypoliceofficertotakeand
conveysuchpersontoprisonandtheredeliverhimtotheofficerinchargeoftheprison,andrequiring
theofficerinchargeoftheprisontoreceivesuchpersonintotheprisonandtheretoimprisonhimwith
orwithouthardlabour,asthecasemaybe,forsuchtimeasmaybedirectedandappointedbythe
warrantofcommitment,unlessthesumofmoneyadjudgedtobepaidbytheorderandalsoallother
costs,charges,andexpensesshallbesoonerpaid.
(2)Whereapplicationismadetothecourtforawarrantforcommittingapersontoprisonfor
nonpaymentofanysumofmoneyadjudgedtobepaidbyanorder,thecourtmay,ifitdeemsit
expedientsotodo,postponetheissueofsuchwarrantuntilsuchtimeandonsuchconditions,ifany,as
tothecourtmayseemjust.
(3)Whenthecourtorderstheimprisonmentofanyperson,thecourtmay,ifitthinksfit,order
thatsuchimprisonmentshallnotcommenceforthwith,butshallcommenceonanydaynotmorethan
threemonthsafterthedateofsuchorderasthecourtmayfix,andinsuchcasethecourtmayeither
sufferthepersontogoatlargeuntilsuchdayordischargehimuponhisenteringintoarecognisance,
withorwithoutsureties,conditionedforhisreappearanceonsuchdaytoundergosuchimprisonment.
(4)Anywarrantofcommitmentissuedundertheprovisionsofthissectionmaybeexecutedon
anyday,includingaSundayorapublicholiday.
394.Paymentofpenaltytopersonexecutingwarrant
Inallcaseswhereanypersonagainstwhomawarrantofcommitmentfornonpaymentofanysumof
moneyadjudgedtobepaidbyanorderisissued,paysortenderstothepersonhavingtheexecutionof
thesamethesumorsumsinsuchwarrantmentionedtogetherwiththeamountoftheexpensesofsuch
warrantuptothetimeofsuchpaymentortender,thepersonhavingtheexecutionofsuchwarrant
shallceasetoexecutethesame.
395.Commencementofimprisonment
Whereanypersonisbroughttoanyprisontobeimprisonedbyvirtueofawarrantofcommitment,
thereshallbeendorsedonsuchwarrantthedayonwhichsuchpersonwasarrestedbyvirtuethereof
andtheimprisonmentshallbecomputedfromsuchdayandinclusivethereof.
396.Varyingofordischargingorderforsureties
Whereanypersonhasbeencommittedtoprisonbythecourtfordefaultinfindingasuretyorsureties,
thecourtmay,onapplicationmadetoitbysuchpersonorbysomepersonactingonhisbehalf,inquire
intothecaseofsuchperson,andifuponnewevidenceproducedtothecourtorproofofachangeof
circumstancesthecourtthinkshavingregardtoallthecircumstancesofthecasethatitisjustsotodo,
thecourtmayreducetheamountforwhichitwasorderedthatthesuretyorsuretiesshouldbebound,
ordispensewiththesuretyorsureties,orotherwisedealwiththecaseasthecourtmaythinkjust.
397.Rightofpersonimprisonedindefaulttobereleasedonpayingsum
(1)Whereanypersonhasbeencommittedtoprisonbythecourtfornonpaymentofanysum
ofmoneyadjudgedtobepaidbyanorder,suchpersonmaypayorcausetobepaidtotheofficerin
chargeoftheprisonthesummentionedinthewarrantofcommitmenttogetherwiththeamountofthe
costs,chargesandexpenses,ifany,alsomentionedthereinandtheofficerinchargeoftheprisonshall
receivethesameandthereupondischargesuchpersonunlessheisincustodyforsomeothermatter.
(2)Inanycasewhereunderthelastprecedingsubsectionasumhasbeenreceivedinpart
satisfactionofasumduefromaprisonerinconsequenceoftheconvictionofthecourt,suchsumshall
beappliedfirstly,towardsthepaymentinfullorinpartofanycostsordamagesorcompensationwhich
thecourtmayhaveorderedtobepaidtothecomplainantandsecondly,towardsthepaymentofthe
fine,ifany,imposedontheprisoner.
Partpaymentaftercommitment
(3)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsubsection(2)ofthissection,whereanamountispaidtowardsa
fine,theprocedureashereunderinthissubsectionsetforthshallbefollowed
(a) theimprisonmentshallbereducedbyanumberofdaysbearingasnearlyaspossiblethesame
proportiontothetotalnumberofdaysforwhichsuchpersoniscommittedasthesumsopaid
towardsthefinebearstotheamountofthefineforwhichsuchpersonisliable;
(b) thesuperintendentorotherofficerinchargeofaprisoninwhichisconfinedapersonwhohas
madesuchpartpaymentshallassoonaspracticablethereaftertakesuchpersonbeforeacourt
andsuchcourtshallcertifytheamountbywhichthetermofimprisonmentoriginallyawardedis
reducedbysuchpaymentinpartsatisfactionandshallmakesuchorderasisrequiredinthe
circumstances:
Providedthatwhereintheopinionofthesuperintendentorotherofficerasaforesaidthedelay
occasionedbytakingsuchpersonbeforeacourtshallbesuchthatthepersonwillbedetainedbeyond
thedateuponwhichheshouldbyreasonofsuchpartpaymentbereleased,suchsuperintendentor
otherofficermayreleasesuchpersononthedaywhichappearstosuchsuperintendentorotherofficer
tobethecorrectday,endorsethewarrantaccordinglyandshallassoonaspracticablethereafterinform
thecourtoftheactiontakenandsuchcourtshallthereuponmakesuchorderorrecordasthecourtmay
considertoberequiredinthecircumstances.
(4)Inreckoningthenumberofdaysbywhichanytermofimprisonmentwouldbereduced
underthissection,thefirstdayofimprisonmentshallnotbetakenintoaccountandinreckoningthe
sumwhichwillsecurethereductionofatermofimprisonment,fractionsofakoboshallbeomitted.
Distress
398.Finesmaybeorderedtoberecoverablebydistress
Whereundertheauthorityofanywrittenlawthecourtimposesafineoranypecuniarypenalty
whetherornotthatfineorpenaltyisaccompaniedbyapowertoimposeimprisonmentandnospecial
provisionotherthanrecoverybydistressismadefortherecoveryofsuchfineorpenalty,thecourtmay
ordersuchfineorpenaltytoberecoverablebydistressandindefaultofsuchdistresssatisfyingthe
amountofthefineorpenaltyasaforesaid,mayorderthattheoffenderbeimprisoned,withorwithout
hardlabourasthecasemaybe,inaccordancewiththescalesetforthinsection390ofthisAct.
399.Warrantofdistress
(1)Wherethecourtordersasumtoberecoverablebydistress,thecourtshallissueitswarrant
ofdistressforthepurposeofrecoveringthesame,suchwarrantshallbeinwritingandsignedbythe
court,itshallauthorisethepersonchargedwiththeexecutionthereoftotakeanymoneyaswellasany
goodsofthepersonagainstwhomdistressisleviedandanymoneysotakenshallbetreatedasifitwere
theproceedsofsaleofgoodstakenunderthewarrant.
Procedureontheexecutionofdistresswarrants
(2)Intheexecutionofadistresswarrantthefollowingprovisionsshallhaveeffect
(a) awarrantofdistressshallbeexecutedbyorunderthedirectionofthesheriff;
(b) ifthepersonchargedwiththeexecutionofthewarrantispreventedfromexecuting
thesamebythefasteningofdoorsorotherwise,themagistratemay,bywritingunder
hishandendorsedonthewarrant,authorisehimtousesuchforceasmaybenecessary
toenablehimtoexecutethewarrant;
(c) thewearingapparelandbeddingofthepersonandofhisfamily,andtothevalueoften
nairathetoolsandimplementsofhistrade,shallnotbetaken;
(d) exceptasprovidedinparagraph(e)ofthissubsectionandsofarasthepersonupon
whosemovablepropertythedistressisleviedconsentsinwritingtoanearliersale,the
goodsdistrainedonshallbesoldatpublicauctionnotlessthanfivedaysandnotmore
thanfourteendaysafterthemakingofthedistress;butwhereconsentinwritingisso
givenasaforesaidthesalemaybeinaccordancewithsuchconsent;
(e) subjectasaforesaid,thegoodsdistrainedonshallbesoldwithinthetimefixedbythe
warrant,unlessthesumforwhichthewarrantwasissuedandalsothecharges,ifany,
oftakingandkeepingthegoodsdistrainedon,aresoonerpaid;
(f) ifanypersonchargedwiththeexecutionofawarrantofdistresswilfullyretainsfrom
theproceedsofanypropertysoldtosatisfythedistress,orotherwiseexacts,any
greatercostsorchargesthanthosetowhichheisforthetimebeingentitled,bylaw,or
makesanyimpropercharge,heshallbeliable,onsummaryconvictionbeforea
magistrate,toapenaltynotexceedingtwentynaira:
Providedthatnothinghereincontainedshallaffecttheliabilityofanysuchpersontobe
prosecutedandpunishedforextortion;
(g) awrittenaccountofthecostsandchargesincurredinrespectoftheexecutionofany
warrantofdistressshall,assoonaspracticable,bedeliveredbythepersonchargedwith
theexecutionofthewarranttothemagistrate;anditshallbelawfulforthepersonuponwhose
movablepropertythedistresswaslevied,atanytimewithinonemonthafterthemakingofthedistress,
toinspectsuchaccount,withoutpaymentofanyfeeorreward,atanytimeduringofficehours,andto
takeacopyofsuchaccount;
(h)apersonchargedwiththeexecutionofawarrantofdistressshallsellthedistressorcause
thesametobesold,andmaydeductoutoftheamountrealisedbysuchsaleallcostsandcharges
actuallyincurredineffectingsuchsale,andshallpaytothemagistrateortosomepersonspecifiedby
him,theremainderofsuchamount,inorderthatthesamemaybeappliedinpaymentofthesumfor
whichthewarrantwasissuedandofthepropercostsandchargesoftheexecutionofthewarrant,and
thatthesurplus,ifany,mayberenderedtothepersonuponwhosemovablepropertythedistresswas
levied.
400.Partpaymentreducesperiodofimprisonmentinproportion
Whereapartonlyoftheamountorderedtoberecoveredbydistressissorecoveredtheperiodof
imprisonmentorderedtobesufferedindefaultofrecoveryoftheamountimposedshallbereduced
accordinglyandshallbearthesameproportiontothefullperiodastheamountrecoveredbearstothe
totalamountorderedtoberecovered,thewarrantofcommitmentshallbedrawnupaccordinglyand
aftersuchcommittal,theprovisionsofsection397ofthisActshallapply.
CHAPTER8
DetentionduringthepleasureofthePresidentanddeportation
PART44
DetentionduringthepleasureofthePresident
401.Conditionsattachedtodetentionduringpleasure
(1)WhenanypersonisorderedtobedetainedduringthepleasureofthePresident,heshall
notwithstandinganythinginthisActorinanyotherwrittenlawcontainedbeliabletobedetainedin
suchplaceandundersuchconditionsasthePresidentmaydirectandwhilstsodetainedshallbe
deemedtobeinlegalcustody.
[L.N.112of1964.]
(2)ApersondetainedduringthepleasureofthePresidentmay,atanytimebedischargedby
thePresidentonlicence.
(3)AlicencemaybeinsuchformandmaycontainsuchconditionsasthePresidentmaydirect.
(4)AlicencemayatanytimeberevokedorvariedbythePresidentandwherealicencehas
beenrevoked,thepersontowhomthelicencerelatesshallproceedtosuchplaceasthePresidentmay
directandifhefailstodoso,maybearrestedwithoutwarrantandtakentosuchplace.
PART45
Deportation
402.Meaningof"deported"
InthisPartofthisAct,theword"deported"withitsgrammaticalvariationsandcognateexpressions
means
(a) inthecaseofacitizenofNigeria,deportationfromtheplacewheretheoffencetook
placeorproceedingswhichculminatedintherecommendationfordeportationwere
heardtoanyotherplaceinNigeria;and
(b) inthecaseofapersonnotacitizenofNigeria,toaplaceoutsideNigeria.
403.NoncitizenmayasktooleaveNigeriainlieuofdeportationorder
WhereapersonnotacitizenofNigeriaisdeportedtosomeplacewithinNigeriaandsuchperson
requeststhatinsteadofremaininginNigeriahemayleaveNigeriaandundertakesnottoreturnforsuch
termofyearsasmaybeapprovedbythePresidentoratallandthePresidentaccedestosuchrequest,
thepersonshallbepermittedtoleaveNigeria,andmay,ifthePresidentsodirects,bedetainedin
custodyuntilhisdeportationandifsuchpersonreturnstoNigeriawithintheperiodduringwhichhis
deportationwastoremaininforce,suchpersonmaybeagaindeportedonafreshwarrantunderthe
originalorderorunderaneworder.
[L.N.258of1959.]
404.Courtmayrecommenddeportationforoffencespunishablebyimprisonmentwithoutoption
Whereapersonisconvictedofanoffencepunishablebyimprisonmentwithouttheoptionofafine,the
courtmayinadditiontoorinsteadofanyotherpunishment,recommendtothePresidentthathebe
deportedifitappearstothecourttobeintheinterestofpeace,orderandgoodgovernmentthatan
orderofdeportationshouldbemadeunderthissection.
405.Indefaultofsecurityforthepeace
Where,uponanysworninformation,itappearstoacourtthatthereisreasontobelievethatanyperson
intheStateisabouttocommitabreachofthepeace,orthathisconductislikelytoproduceorexciteto
abreachofthepeace,thecourt,afterdueinquiryatwhichthepersonconcernedshallbepresent,may
orderhimtogivesecurityintwoormoresuretiesforpeaceandgoodbehaviour,andindefault,may
recommendtothePresidentthathebedeported.
406.Incaseofdangerousconduct
WhereitisshownbyevidenceonoathtothesatisfactionofacourtthatanypersonintheStateis
conductingorhasconductedhimselfsoastobedangeroustopeaceandgoodorder,orisendeavouring
orhasendeavouredtoexciteenmitybetweenanysectionofthepeopleofNigeriaandtheFederal
RepublicorisintriguingorhasintriguedagainstconstitutedpowerandauthorityinNigeria,thecourt
mayrecommendtothePresidentthathebedeported.
407.Procedurepriortocourtrecommendingdeportationundersection405or406
(1)Whereapersonrequiredtogivesecurityundersection405ofthisActmakesdefaultinso
doingandthecourtcontemplatesrecommendingtotheMinisterthathebedeported,orwherethe
courtcontemplatesrecommendingtothePresidentthedeportationofapersontowhomsection406of
thisActrelates,beforemakinganysuchrecommendationthecourtshallrequirethepersonconcerned
toattendbeforethecourtand,afterinthelattercasebeinginformedoftheallegationsmadeagainst
him,begivenanopportunitytoshowcausewhyheshouldnotbedeported.
(2)Afterconsideringtherepresentation,ifany,ofthepersonconcernedandthefactsupon
whichtheproceedingsarefoundedthecourtshalldecidewhetherornottorecommendtothe
Presidentthatthepersonconcernedbedeported.
408.Procedureonrecommendationofdeportationundersection404,405or406
WherethecourtdecidestorecommendtothePresidentthedeportationofanypersonundersection
404,405,or406ofthisAct,thecourtshallforthwithforwardtothePresidenttherecommendation
togetherwithareportsettingoutthereasonswhythecourtconsidersitnecessarytomakethe
recommendationandacertifiedcopyofanyproceedingsrelatingthereto.
[L.N.258of1959.]
409.Detentionofpersonconcerned
Wherearecommendationfordeportationhasbeenmadeinrespectofapersontowhomsection404,
405or406ofthisActrelates,suchpersonmaybedetainedincustodypendingthedecisionofthe
Presidentandduringsuchtimeshallbedeemedtobeinlawfulcustody.
410.Afterconsideration,Presidentmaymakeanorderofdeportation
If,afterconsideringanysuchrecommendationasaforesaid,thePresidentshalldecidethatinthe
interestofpeace,orderandgoodgovernment,anorderofdeportationshouldbemade,hemayby
writingunderhishandandsealorderthepersontobedeportedtosuchplaceoutsideNigeriaashemay
direct:
ProvidedthatanordershallnotbemadetodeportacitizenofNigeriatoanyplaceoutside
Nigeria.
411.Presidentmaywithholdorderandremitcasetocourt
IfaftersuchconsiderationasaforesaidthePresidentshalldecidethatnoorderofdeportationshallbe
made,heshallcausethecourttobesoinformed,andthecourtmay,inthecasewherea
recommendationhasbeenmadeundersection404ofthisActinsteadofimposinganyother
punishment,dealwiththecaseasifnosuchrecommendationhadbeenmade,andmakesuchorderof
imprisonmentorotherpunishmentasmaybeauthorisedbylaw.
[L.N.258of1959.]
412.Provisionsastosentenceofdeportation
(1)Ifapersonorderedtobedeportedissentencedtoanytermofimprisonment,suchsentence
ofimprisonmentshallbeservedbeforetheorderofdeportationiscarriedintoeffect.
(2)Anorderofdeportationmaybeexpressedtobeinforceforatimetobelimitedtherein,or
foranunlimitedtimeandmayrequirethedeportedpersontoreporthimselftothenearest
administrativeofficerorofficerinchargeofapolicestationatintervalsofnotlessthanthirtydays.
(3)Anorderofdeportationshallbesufficientauthoritytoallpersonstowhomitisdirectedor
deliveredforexecutiontoreceiveanddetainthepersonthereinnamedandtocarryhimtotheplace
named.
(4)Ifapersonleavesorattemptstoleavethedistrictorplacetowhichhehasbeendeported,
whiletheorderofdeportationisstillinforce,withoutthewrittenconsentofthePresident,which
consentmaybegivensubjecttoanytermsastosecurityforgoodbehaviourorotherwiseastothe
Presidentmayseemgood,orwilfullyneglectsorrefusestoreporthimselfasordered,suchpersonis
liabletoimprisonmentforsixmonthsandtobeagaindeportedonafreshwarrantundertheoriginal
orderorunderaneworder.
CHAPTER9
Juvenileoffendersandprobation
PART46
Juvenileoffenders
413.Procedurefortryingjuvenileoffenders
WhereachildoryoungpersonisbroughtbeforetheHighCourtoramagistrate'scourtchargedwithan
offence,thechargeshallbeinquiredintoinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheChildrenandYoung
PersonsActandnotinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisAct.
[Cap.32of1958Edition.]
414."Conviction"and"sentence"nottobeusedinrelationtojuveniles
Thewords"conviction"and"sentence"shallceasetobeusedinrelationtochildrenandyoungpersons
andanyreferenceinanyActtoapersonconvicted,aconvictionorasentenceshall,inthecaseofachild
oryoungperson,beconstruedasincludingareferencetoapersonfoundguiltyofanoffence,afinding
ofguiltoranordermadeuponsuchafinding,asthecasemaybe.
415.Trialofchildrenandyoungpersons
Acourt,wheninquiringintoachargeagainstachildoryoungpersonorwhenhearinganapplicationfor
anorderthatsuchapersonbesenttoaGovernmentestablishmentoraninstitution,atwhichinquiry
theattendanceofthechildoryoungpersonisrequired,shall,whenpracticable,unlessthechildor
youngpersonischargedjointlywithanyotherpersonnotbeingachildoryoungperson,siteitherina
differentbuildingorroomfromthatinwhichtheordinarysittingsofthecourtareheld,orondifferent
daysoratdifferenttimesfromthoseatwhichtheordinarysittingsareheld.
416.Specialcourtmaycontinueevenifageincorrect
Whereinthecourseofanyproceedingsinacourtsittingasprovidedinsection415ofthisAct,it
appearstothecourtthatthepersonchargedortowhomtheproceedingsrelatehasattainedtheageof
seventeenyearsorupwardsorwhereinthecourseofanyproceedingsinamagistrate'scourtother
thanacourtsittingasprovidedinsection415ofthisAct,itappearsthatthepersonchargedortowhom
theproceedingsrelatehasnotattainedtheageofseventeenyears,nothinginsection415ofthisAct
shallbeconstruedaspreventingthecourtifitthinksitundesirabletoadjournthecasefromproceeding
withthehearinganddeterminationofthecase.
417.Juvenilesnottoassociatewithadultaccused
Provisionsshallbemade,asfaraspracticable,forpreventingpersonswhoapparentlyhavenotyet
attainedtheageofseventeenyearswhilstbeingconveyedtoorfromcourtorwhilstwaitingbeforeor
aftertheirattendanceincourt,fromassociatingwithadultschargedwithorconvictedofanyoffence
otherthananoffencewithwhichthepersonwhoapparentlyhasnotyetattainedtheageofseventeen
yearsisjointlychargedorfoundguilty.
418.Publicnottoattendhearing
Inacourtsittingasprovidedinsection415ofthisAct,nopersonsotherthanmembersandofficersof
thecourtandthepartiestothecase,thelegalpractitionersrepresentingthem,andotherpersons
directlyconcernedinthecaseshall,exceptbyleaveofsuchcourt,beallowedtoattend:
Providedthatbonafiderepresentativesofanewspaperornewsagencyshallnotbeexcludedexceptby
specialdirectionsofthecourt.
419.Restrictiononpunishment
(1)Nochildshallbeorderedtobeimprisoned.
(2)Noyoungpersonshallbeorderedtobeimprisonedifhecanbesuitablydealtwithinany
otherwaywhetherbyprobation,fine,corporalpunishmentorotherwise.
(3)Ayoungpersonorderedtobeimprisonedshallnot,sofarasthesamemaybepracticable,
beallowedtoassociatewithadultprisoners.
420.Juvenilesfoundguiltyofcapitaloffences
Whereanoffenderfoundtohavecommittedacapitaloffencehasnotattainedtheageofseventeen
years,theprovisionsofsubsection(3)ofsection368ofthisActshallapply.
421.Detentioninthecaseofcertaincrimescommittedbychildrenoryoungpersons
NotwithstandinganythinginthisActtothecontrary,whereachildoryoungpersonisfoundguiltyofan
attempttomurder,orofmanslaughter,orofwoundingwithintenttodogrieviousbodilyharm,the
courtmayordertheoffendertobedetainedforsuchperiodasmaybespecifiedintheorder,andwhere
suchanorderismade,thechildoryoungpersonshall,duringtheperiod,beliabletobedetainedin
suchplaceandonsuchconditionsasthePresidentmaydirect,andwhilstsodetainedshallbedeemed
tobeinlegalcustody.
422.Bailofchildrenandyoungpersonsarrested
Whereapersonwhoapparentlyhasnotattainedtheageofseventeenyearsisapprehendedwithor
withoutwarrantandcannotbebroughtforthwithbeforeacourt,thepoliceofficerinimmediatecharge
forthetimebeingofthepolicestationtowhichsuchpersoninbrought,shallinquireintothecaseand
shall
(a) unlessthechargeisoneofhomicideorothergravecrime;or
(b) unlessitisnecessaryintheinterestofsuchpersontoremovehimfromassociationwith
anyreputedcriminalorprostitute;or
(c) unlesstheofficerhasreasontobelievethatthereleaseofsuchpersonwoulddefeat
theendsofjustice,
releasesuchpersononarecognisancebeingenteredintobyhimorbyhisparentorguardian,withor
withoutsureties,forsuchanamountaswill,intheopinionoftheofficer,securetheattendanceofsuch
personuponthehearingofthecharge.
423.Custodyofyoungpersonsnotdischargedonbailafterarrest
Whereapersonwhoapparentlyhasnotattainedtheageofseventeenyearshavingbeenapprehended
isnotsoreleasedasaforesaid,theofficertowhomsuchpersonisbroughtshallcausehimtobe
detainedinasuitableplace,whichisnotapolicestationcellfordetentionofadultprisonersoraprison,
untilhecanbebroughtbeforethecourt,unlesstheofficercertifies
(a) thatitisimpracticabletodoso;or
(b) thatheisofsounrulyacharacterthathecannotbesafelysodetained;or
(c) thatbyreasonofthestateofhealthorhismentalorbodilyconditionitisinadvisableso
todetainhim,
andthecertificateshallbeproducedtothecourtbeforewhichthepersonisbrought.
424.Associationwithadultwhilstinpolicecustody
Itshallbethedutyofthepoliceofficerinimmediatechargeofapolicestationtomakearrangements
forpreventing,sofaraspracticable,apersonwhoapparentlyhasnotattainedtheageofseventeen
yearswhilebeingdetainedinapolicestationfromassociatingwithanadultchargedwithanoffence.
425.Remandorcommittaltocustodyinplaceofdetention
(1)Acourtonremandingorcommittingfortrialachildoryoungpersonwhoisnotreleasedon
bailshall,insteadofcommittinghimtoprison,orderhimtobedetainedinaplacedeemedbythecourt
tobeaplaceofsafecustodytobenamedinthecommitmenttobetheredetainedfortheperiodfor
whichheisremandedoruntilheisthencedeliveredinduecourseoflaw:
Providedthatinthecaseofayoungpersonitshallnotbeobligatoryonthecourtsotocommithimif
thecourtisofopinionthatheisofsounrulyacharacterthathecannotbesafelysocommitted,orthat
heissodepravedacharacterthatheisnotafitpersontobesodetainedorthatnopersoncanbefound
whowillagreetoundertakethecustodyofsuchchild.
(2)Acommitmentunderthissectionmaybevariedor,inthecaseofayoungpersonwho
provestobeofsounrulyacharacterthathecannotbesafelydetainedinsuchcustodyortobeofso
depravedacharacterthatheisnotafitpersontobesodetainedorthecustodyofwhomnopersoncan
befoundtoagreetoundertake,revokedbyanycourtandifitisrevokedtheyoungpersonmaybe
committedtoprison.
426.Attendanceatacourtofparentofchildoryoungpersonchargedwithanoffence
(1)Whereachildoryoungpersonischargedwithanyoffence,orwhereachildisbrought
beforeacourtonanapplicationforanordertosendhimtoaGovernmentestablishmentoran
institution,hisparentorguardianmayinanycase,andshall,ifhecanbefoundandresideswithina
reasonabledistanceandthepersonsochargedorbroughtbeforethecourtisachild,berequiredto
attendatthecourtbeforewhichthecaseisheardordeterminedduringallthestagesofthe
proceedings,unlessthecourtissatisfiedthatitwouldbeunreasonabletorequirehisattendance.
(2)Wherethechildoryoungpersonisarrested,thepoliceofficerbywhomheisarrestedorthe
policeofficerinimmediatechargeofthepolicestationtowhichheisbroughtshallcausetheparentor
guardianofthechildoryoungperson,ifhecanbefound,tobewarnedtoattendatthecourtbefore
whichthechildoryoungpersonwillappear.
(3)Forthepurposeofenforcingtheattendanceofaparentorguardianandenablinghimto
takepartintheproceedingsandenablingorderstobemadeagainsthim,theprovisionsofthisActfor
enforcingtheattendanceofanaccusedpersonshallapply,withthenecessaryadaptationsand
modificationsasappearappropriateforthepurpose,andasummonstoachildoryoungpersonmay
includeasummonstohisparentorguardian.
(4)Theparentorguardianwhoseattendanceshallberequiredunderthissectionshallbethe
parentorguardianhavingtheactualpossessionandcontrolofthechildoryoungperson:
Providedthatifthatpersonisnotthefather,theattendanceofthefathermayalsoberequired.
(5)Theattendanceoftheparentofachildoryoungpersonshallnotberequiredunderthis
sectioninanycasewherethechildoryoungpersonwasbeforetheinstitutionoftheproceedings
removedfromthecustodyorchargeofhisparentbyanorderofacourt.
427.Methodsofdealingwithchildrenandyoungpersonschargedwithoffence
Whereachildoryoungpersonchargedwithanyoffenceistriedbyanycourt,andthecourtissatisfied
ofhisguilt,thecourtshalltakeintoconsiderationthemannerinwhich,undertheprovisionsofthisor
anyotherActenablingthecourttodealwiththecase,thecaseshouldbedealtwith,namelywhether
(a) bydismissingthecharge;or
(b) bydischargingtheoffenderonhisenteringintoarecognisance;or
(c) bysodischargingtheoffenderandplacinghimunderthesupervisionofaprobation
officer;or
(d) bycommittingtheoffendertothecareofarelativeorotherfitperson;or
(e) bysendingtheoffendertoaGovernmentestablishmentoraninstitution;or
f) byorderingtheoffendertobewhipped;or
(g) byorderingtheoffendertopayafine,damages,orcosts;or
(h) byorderingtheparentorguardianoftheoffendertopayafine,damages,orcosts;or
(i) byorderingtheparentorguardianoftheoffendertogivesecurityforhisgood
behaviour;or
(j) bycommittingtheoffenderwiththeapprovaloftheGovernor,tocustodyinaplaceof
detentionestablishedundertheChildrenandYoungPersonsLawofaState;
(k) wheretheoffenderisapparentlyfourteenyearsoldorupwards,bysentencinghimto
imprisonment;or
(I) bydealingwiththecaseinanyothermannerinwhichitmaybelegallydealtwith:
Providingthatnothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedasauthorisingthecourttodealwithany
caseinanymannerinwhichitcouldnotdealwiththecaseapartfromthissection.
428.Maximumfineonchildfournaira
Whereachildischargedbeforeamagistrate'scourtwithanoffenceandthecourtdealswiththecase
summarily,thecourtmaynotinflictonhimafineexceedingfournaira.
429.Powertoorderparenttopayfine,etc.,insteadofchildoryoungperson
(1)Whereachildoryoungpersonischargedbeforeanycourtwithanyoffenceforthe
commissionofwhichafine,damages,orcostsmaybeimposedandthecourtisofopinionthatthecase
wouldbebestmetbytheimpositionofafine,damages,orcosts,whetherwithorwithoutanyother
punishment,thecourtmayinanycase,andshalliftheoffenderisachild,orderthatthefine,damages,
orcostsawardedbepaidbytheparentorguardianofthechildoryoungpersoninsteadofbythechild
oryoungperson,unlessthecourtissatisfiedthattheparentorguardiancannotbefoundorthatthe
parentorguardianhasnotconducedtothecommissionoftheoffencebyneglectingtoexercisedue
careofthechildoryoungperson.
(2)Whereachildoryoungpersonischargedwithanyoffence,thecourtmayorderhisparentor
guardiantogivesecurityforhisgoodbehaviour.
(3)Wherethecourtthinksthatachargeagainstachildoryoungpersonisproved,thecourt
maymakeanorderontheparentorguardianunderthissectionforthepaymentofdamagesorcostsor
requiringhimtogivesecurityforgoodbehaviour,withoutproceedingtotheconvictionofthechildor
youngperson.
(4)Anorderunderthissectionmaybemadeagainstaparentorguardianwho,havingbeen
requiredtoattend,hasfailedtodoso,butsaveasaforesaid,nosuchordershallbemadewithoutgiving
theparentorguardiananopportunityofbeingheard.
(5)Anysumimposedandorderedtobepaidbyaparentorguardianunderthissection,oron
forfeitureofanysuchsecurityasaforesaid,mayberecoveredfromhimbydistressorimprisonmentin
likemannerasiftheorderhadbeenmadeontheconvictionoftheparentorguardianoftheoffence
withwhichthechildoryoungpersonwascharged.
(6)AparentorguardianmayappealagainstanorderunderthissectiontotheHighCourt.
430.Removalofdisqualificationsattachingtofelony
Achildoryoungpersonfoundguiltyofanoffencewhichisafelonyshallnotberegardedasbeing
convictedoffelonyforthepurposesofanydisqualificationattachingtofelony.
431.Limitationofcosts
Whereachildoryoungpersonishimselforderedbythecourttopaycostsinadditiontoafine,the
amountofthecostssoorderedtobepaidshallinnocaseexceedtheamountofthefineand,exceptin
sofarasthecourtmaythinkfitexpresslytoorderotherwise,allfeespayableorpaidbythecomplainant
inexcessoftheamountofcostssoorderedtobepaidshall,beremittedorrepaidtohimandthecourt
mayalsoorderthefineoranypartthereoftobepaidtothecomplainantinortowardsthepaymentof
hiscosts.
432.Restrictionsonpunishmentofchildrenandyoungpersons
(1)Apersonwhoapparentlyhasnotattainedtheageofnineyearsshallnotbesentencedto
imprisonmentforanyoffence,orcommittedtoprisonindefaultofpaymentofafine,damages,or
costs.
(2)Apersonwhoapparentlyhasattainednineyearsofagebutwhohasnotattainedfourteen
shallnotbesentencedtoimprisonmentforanoffenceorcommittedtoprisonindefaultofpaymentof
afine,damages,orcostsunlessthecourtisofopinionthattheindividualinquestionisofsounrulya
characterthathecannotbedetainedinaconvenientGovernmentestablishmentoraninstitutionor
thatheisofsodepravedacharacterthatheisnotafitpersontobesodetained.
433.Substitutionofcustodyinplaceofdetentionforimprisonment
Whereachildoryoungpersonisfoundguiltyofanoffencepunishableinthecaseofanadultwith
imprisonmentorwouldifhewereanadultbeliabletobeimprisonedindefaultofpaymentofanyfine,
damages,orcostsandthecourtconsidersthatnoneoftheothermethodsinwhichthecasemaylegally
bedealtwithissuitable,thecourtmay,inlieuofmakinganorderuponsuchafindingandsendinghim
toprisonorcommittinghimtoprisonorderthathebecommittedtocustodyinaGovernment
establishmentoraninstitutionnamedintheorderforsuchtermasmaybespecifiedintheorder.
434.Escapeduringdetention
Achildoryoungpersonwhilstsodetainedandwhilstbeingconveyedtoandfromtheplaceof
detentionshallbedeemedtobeinlegalcustodyandifheescapesmaybeapprehendedwithout
warrantandbroughtbacktotheplaceinwhichhewasdetained.
PART47
Probation
435.Conditionalreleaseofoffenders
(1)Whereanypersonischargedbeforeacourtwithanoffencepunishablebysuchcourt,andthecourt
thinksthatthechargeisprovedbutisofopinionthathavingregardtothecharacter,antecedents,age,
health,ormentalconditionofthepersoncharged,ortothetrivialnatureoftheoffenceortothe
extenuatingcircumstancesunderwhichtheoffencewascommitted,itisinexpedienttoinflictany
punishmentoranyotherthananominalpunishmentorthatitisexpedienttoreleasetheoffenderon
probation,thecourtmay,withoutproceedingtoconviction,makeanordereither
Dismissingthecharge
(a)dismissingthecharge;or
Dischargingtheoffenderonconditions
(b) dischargingtheoffenderconditionallyonhisenteringintoarecognisance,withor
withoutsureties,tobeofgoodbehaviourandtoappearatanytimeduringsuchperiod
notexceedingthreeyearsasmaybespecifiedintheorder.
Compensationforlossorinjuryandcostsmaybeawarded
(2)Thecourtmay,inadditiontoanysuchorder,ordertheoffendertopaysuchdamagesfor
injuryorcompensationforloss,notexceedingtwentynairaor,ifahigherlimitisfixedbyanyenactment
relatingtotheoffence,thathigherlimit,andtopaysuchcostsoftheproceedingsasthecourtthinks
reasonableandiftheoffenderhasnotattainedtheageofseventeenyearsanditappearstothecourt
thattheparentorguardianoftheoffenderhasconfessedtothecommissionoftheoffence,thecourt
mayunderandinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart46ofthisActafterhearingsuchparentor
guardian,orderpaymentofsuchdamagesandcostsbysuchparentorguardian.
Restitutionofstolenproperty
(3)Whereanorderunderthissectionismadetheordershall,forthepurposeofrevestingor
restoringstolenpropertyandofenablingthecourttomakeordersastotherestitutionordeliveryof
propertytotheownerandastothepaymentofmoneyuponorinconnectionwithsuchrestitutionor
delivery,havethelikeeffectasaconviction.
436.Probationordersandconditionsofrecognisances
(1)ArecognisanceorderedtobeenteredintounderthisPartshallifthecourtsoorders,contain
aconditionthattheoffenderbeunderthesupervisionofsuchpersonorpersonsofeithersex,
hereinaftercalledaprobationofficer,asmay,withtheconsentofsuchprobationofficer,benamedin
theorderduringtheperiodspecifiedintheorder,andanorderrequiringtheinsertionofsuch
conditionsasaforesaidintherecognisanceisinthisPartofthisActreferredtoasaprobationorder.
(2)ArecognisanceunderthisPartofthisActmaycontainsuchadditionalconditionswith
respecttoresidence,abstentionfromintoxicatingliquorandanyothermattersasthecourtmay,having
regardtotheparticularcircumstancesofthecase,considernecessaryforpreventingarepetitionofthe
sameoffenceorthecommissionofotheroffences.
(3)Thecourtbywhichaprobationorderismadeshall,furnishtotheoffenderanoticeinwriting
statinginsimpletermstheconditionsheisrequiredtoobserve.
437.Relievingprobationofficerofhisduties
Thepersonnamedinaprobationordermayatanytimeberelievedofhisdutiesandinanysuchcaseor
incaseofthedeathofthepersonsonamed,anotherpersonmaybyconsentbesubstitutedbythecourt
beforewhichtheoffenderisboundbyhisrecognisancetoappearforconvictionorsentence.
438.Dutiesofprobationofficers
Itshallbethedutyofaprobationofficer,subjecttothedirectionsofthecourt
(a) ifthepersononprobationisnotactuallyresidingwiththeprobationofficer,tovisitor
receivereportsonthepersonundersupervisionatsuchreasonableintervalsasmaybe
specifiedintheprobationorderorsubjecttheretoastheprobationofficermaythinkfit;
(b) toseethatheobservestheconditionsofhisrecognisance;
(c) toreporttothecourtastohisbehaviour;
(d) toadvise,assist,andbefriendhimandwhennecessarytoendeavourtofindhim
suitableemployment.
439.Variationoftermsandconditionsofprobation
ThecourtbeforewhichanypersonisboundbyarecognisanceunderthisPartofthisActtoappearfor
convictionandsentenceorforsentence
(a) mayatanytimeifitappearstoitupontheapplicationoftheprobationofficerthatitis
expedientthatthetermsorconditionsoftherecognisanceshouldbevaried,summon
thepersonboundbytherecognisancetoappearbeforeitandifhefailstoshowcause
whysuchvariationshouldnotbemade,varythetermsoftherecognisanceby
extendingordiminishingthedurationthereof,sohowever,thatitshallnotexceedthree
yearsfromthedateoftheoriginalorder,orbyalteringtheconditionsthereoforby
insertingadditionalconditions;or
(b) mayonapplicationbeingmadebytheprobationofficer,andonbeingsatisfiedthatthe
conductofthepersonboundbytherecognisancehasbeensuchastomakeit
unnecessarythathebeanylongerundersupervision,dischargetherecognisance.
440.Provisionsincaseofoffenderfailingtoobserveconditionsofrelease
(1)IfthecourtbeforewhichanoffenderisboundbyhisrecognisanceunderthisPartofthisAct
toappearforconvictionorsentenceissatisfiedbyinformationonoaththattheoffenderhasfailedto
observeanyoftheconditionsofhisrecognisance,itmayissueawarrantforhisapprehensionormay,if
itthinksfit,insteadofissuingawarrantinthefirstinstanceissueasummonstotheoffenderandhis
sureties,ifany,requiringhimorthemtoattendatsuchcourtandatsuchtimeasmaybespecifiedin
thesummons.
(2)Theoffenderwhenapprehendedshall,ifnotbroughtforthwithbeforethecourtbefore
whichheisboundbyhisrecognisancetoappearforconvictionorsentence,bebroughtbeforeanother
court.
(3)Thecourtbeforewhichanoffenderonapprehensionisbroughtorbeforewhichheappears
inpursuanceofsuchsummonsasaforesaidmay,ifitisnotthecourtbeforewhichheisboundbyhis
recognisancetoappearforconvictionorsentence,remandhimtocustodyoronbailuntilhecanbe
broughtbeforethelastmentionedcourt.
(4)Anoffendersoremandedincustodymay,becommittedduringremandtoanyprisonto
whichthecourthavingpowertoconvictorsentencehimhaspowertocommitprisoners;andinthe
caseofachildoryoungpersonheshall,ifremanded,bedealtwithwhereverpracticableinaccordance
withtheprovisionsofPart46ofthisAct.
(5)Acourtbeforewhichapersonisboundbyhisrecognisancetoappearforconvictionand
sentence,onbeingsatisfiedthathehadfailedtoobserveanyconditionsofhisrecognisance,may
forthwith,withoutfurtherproofofhisguilt,convictandsentencehimfortheoriginaloffence.
CHAPTER10
AssessorsandinquiriesbydirectionoftheAttorneyGeneral
PART48
Assessors
441.Qualificationofassessors
Everymaleperson,betweentheagesof21yearsandsixtyyearsresidinginNigeria,whoisabletospeak
theEnglishlanguageandunderstandthesameshallbequalifiedtoserveasanassessor:
Providedthatitshallnotbeanessentialqualificationforassessorsthatheshallbeabletospeak
theEnglishlanguageandunderstandthesamewhenspoken.
441A.Disqualificationofanassessor
Nopersonwho
(a) hasbeenconvictedofanytreasonorfelonyunlesshehasreceivedafreepardon
therefor;or
(b) isalunatic,oroneofunsoundmind,orimbecile,ordeaf,orblindorafflictedwithany
otherpermanentinfirmityofbodyormind;or
(c) hasenteredintoadeedofarrangementwithhiscreditors,
isorshallbequalifiedtoserveasanassessor.
442.Sherifftosummonassessors
Thesheriff,beforethesittingofanycourtwhereatassessorsshallbenecessary,shall,onreceivingfrom
thecourtaprecept,issuesummonsrequiringtheattendancethereatofthenumberofpersonstherein
named,whichnumbershallnotexceedten,qualifiedtoserveasassessorsandwhoarewithinthe
divisionofthecourtrequiringtheirservicesandeverysuchsummonsshallbepersonallyserveduponor
leftattheusualorlastknownplaceofabodeofthepersonsosummonedthreecleardays,orsuch
othertimeasthecourtmaydirect,beforethedayappointedforthesittingofthecourt.
443.Exemptioninfavourofmercantileestablishments
Notmorethanonepersonemployedinthesamemercantileestablishmentshallberequiredtoserve
togetheronanypanelatanysessionofthecourtunlessthebusinessofthecourtshouldbeimpededby
adherencetotheprovisionsofthissection.
444.Sherifftodeliverpapertocourt
Thesheriffshallcausetobedeliveredtothecourtattheopeningofthesessionsalistcontainingthe
names,occupations,andplacesofabodeofthepersonssosummoned.
445.OmittedasapplyingonlytotheformerProtectorate.
446.Selectionofassessors
Ifthetrialistobeheldwiththeaidofassessors,thejudgeshallselectfromthepersonssummonedto
actasassessorssuchnumber,notbeingordinarilylessthantwo,asheshallthinkfittoassisthiminsuch
trial:
Providedthatthepersonchargedmayobjecttoanyassessorssoappointed,andthecourtshall
refusetoallowsuchassessortositifthegroundsforsuchobjectionaresubstantialandreasonable.
447.Ifanassessorunabletoattend,trialmayproceed
Ifinthecourseofatrialwiththeaidofassessors,atanytimepriortothefinding,anyassessor
shallfromanysufficientcausebepreventedfromattendingthroughoutthetrial,thetrialshallproceed
withtheaidoftheremainingassessorsorassessor.
448.Adjournment
Intheeventofadjournment,theassessorsshallberequiredtoattendattheadjournedsitting,
andateverysubsequentsittingtilltheconclusionofthetrial.
449.Opinionofassessors
(1)Theopinionofeachassessorshallbegivenorally,andshallberecordedinwritingbythe
court,butthedecisionofthecourtshallbevestedexclusivelyinthejudge.
(2)Anyassessordissentingfromanydecisionofthecourtmayhavehisdissentandthegrounds
thereofrecorded.
450.Penaltyonassessorsnotattending
(1)Anypersonsummonedtoattendthecourtasanassessorwhoshallnot,withoutreasonable
excuse(theburdenofproofwhereofshallrestonsuchassessor),dulyattendandbepresentatthe
courtonsuchsummonsandatalltimesappointedbythecourtforadjournment,andanyperson
presentincourtwho,beingcalledtoserveasanassessor,withoutreasonableexcuse,refusessoto
serve,shallbeliabletoafineoffiftynairaorimprisonmentforonemonthifthefinebenotsoonerpaid.
Punishmentsummary.Courtmayremitfines
(2)Suchpunishmentmaybeinflictedsummarilyonanordertothateffectmadebythecourt:
Providedthatthecourtmay,ifitshalldeemfit,remitanyfinesoimposed.
451.Noticetopersonsfinedinabsence
Incaseswhereanypersonissofinedinhisabsence,theregistrarshallforthwithsendhima
writtennoticeofthefact,requiringhimtopaythefine,ortoshowcausebeforethecourtwithinfour
daysfornotpayingthesame.
452.Courtmayexemptpersonsfromservingasassessors
Nothinghereincontainedshallpreventthecourtfromexemptingforreasonablecauseanypersonfrom
servingasanassessor.
PART49
InquiriesbydirectionofAttorneyGeneral
453.InquiriesbydirectionofAttorneyGeneral
Whereasworninformationismadebeforeanymagistratethatanoffenceagainstalawofthe
Statehasbeencommitted,theAttorneyGeneraloftheStatemay,whetherornotanyknownpersonbe
chargedwiththecommissionoftheoffence,directanymagistratetoholdaninquiryunderthisPartof
thisActandmay,ifhethinksfit,directthatsuchinquirybeheldincamera.
454.Conductofinquiry
Theofficersodirectedshallthenexamineonoathconcerningsuchoffenceanypersonwhomhe
hasreasontobelievetobeabletogivematerialevidenceconcerningit,otherthanapersonconfessing
himselftobetheoffender,andshalltakethedepositionofsuchwitnessand,ifheseescause,bindsuch
witnessbyhisownrecognisancetoappearandgiveevidenceatanyplacewhere,andatanytimewhen,
hemaybecalledupontodoso.
455.Report
AttheconclusionofaninquiryunderthisPartofthisAct,thesaidofficershallforwardtothe
AttorneyGeneraloftheStatetheoriginaldepositionsandrecognisancesofthewitnessestogetherwith
thereportupontheproceedings,andshallstateinsuchreporthisopinionastothepersonsimplicated
inthecommissionofsuchoffence.
456.Procedure
TheprovisionscontainedinthisActrelatingtosummoningwitnesses,andtocompellingtheir
attendanceandtotheirexaminationonoath,andtobindingthemovertogiveevidence,shallapplyfor
thepurposesofaninquiryunderthisPartofthisAct.
457.Personchargedentitledtocopyofdeposition
IfapersonisputuponhistrialforanoffencerespectingwhichaninquiryunderthisPartofthis
Acthasbeenheld,heshall,ifhesorequest,besuppliedfreeofcharge,atleastthreedaysbeforesuch
trial,withanauthenticatedcopyofalldepositionstakenatsuchinquiry.
458.Statementsofwitnessesprivileged
Awitnessexaminedatsuchinquiryshallnotbeexcusedfromansweringanyquestiononthe
groundthattheanswertheretomayincriminateortendtoincriminatehim,butanyconfessionor
answerbyapersontoaquestionputatsuchexaminationshallnot,exceptinthecaseofanycriminal
proceedingforperjurycommittedatoraftertheholdingofsuchinquiry,beinanyproceeding
admissibleinevidenceagainsthim.
458A.ApplicationtooffencesagainstFederallaws
TheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActshallapplyinrelationtoanoffenceagainstaFederallawasthey
applyinrelationtoanoffenceagainstalawoftheStatebutasifreferencetotheAttorneyGeneralof
theStatewerereferencestotheAttorneyGeneraloftheFederation.
CHAPTER11
Miscellaneous
PART50
Coroner'swarrant
459.Nocommittalfortrialbycoroner
FromandafterthecomingintooperationofthisAct,nopersonshallbecommittedfortrialona
coroner'sinquisition.
Appeals
Fees
461.Paymentoffees
(1)Subjecttotheprovisionsofsection462ofthisAct,ineveryproceedinghadbeforeanycourt,
suchfeesasmaybeprescribedunderthisActshallbepaid.
(2)Acourtmayinanyproceedingsinwhichgoodcauseappearstothecourtforsodoing,
suspendpaymentofanyfeespayablethereinuntiltheconclusionofsuchproceedingsandthecourt
maythendirectsuchfeestobepaidascostsbyanypartytotheproceedingsbywhomthecourthas
powertoordercoststobepaidorremitthepaymentofsuchfees.
462.Statenotrequiredtopayfees
TheprovisionsofthisActrelatingtofeesandtothegivingofsecurityshallnotapplytotheStateorto
anypublicofficeractinginhisofficialcapacity.
[L.N.112of1964.]
Forms
463.UseofformsinFirst,SecondandThirdSchedule
(1)Subjecttotheexpressprovisions,ifany,oftherules,theformsandprecedentscontainedin
theFirst,SecondandThirdSchedulestothisActmay,inaccordancewithanyinstructionscontainedin
thesaidforms,andwithsuchvariationsasthecircumstancesoftheparticularcasemayrequire,beused
inthecasestowhichtheyapplyand,whensoused,shallbegoodandsufficientinlaw.
(2)TheformsinthesaidSchedulesmaybeaddedto,revoked,replacedorvariedbytherulesin
allrespectsasiftheyhadoriginallybeensomade.
Rulesofcourt
464.Powertomakerulesofcourt
(1)TheChiefJudgemaymakerulesinrespectofanyorallofthefollowingmatters
(a) feestobepaidunderthisAct;
(b) formstobeusedfortheprocessandprocedureofthecourts;
(c) accountstoberenderedofmoneysreceivedbyanypersonunderthisAct;
(d) themethodofissueofprocessunderthisAct,andthemannerofreceiptofand
accountingforfeesinrespectofsuchprocess;
(e) regulatingtheprocedureinconnectionwithinformationsfiledbytheAttorneyGeneral
oftheStateundertheprovisionsofsection72ofthisAct;
(f) prescribinganythingoranypersonrequiredtobeprescribedundertheprovisionsof
thisAct;and
(g) generallyforcarryingintoeffectthepurposesofthisAct.
(2)Whererulesaremadeunderthissection,separaterulesshallbemadeinrespectofthe
practiceandprocedureintheHighCourtandinmagistrates'courts,savewheretheprocedure
prescribedbysuchrulesappliesequallytotheHighCourtandtomagistrates'courts.
Formsandprocedureunderwrittenlaws
465.Savingastootherformsandprocedure
NothinginthisActshallaffecttheuseorvalidityofanyspecialformsinrespectofanyprocedureor
offencespecifiedundertheprovisionsofanyotherwrittenlaworthevalidityofanyotherprocedure
providedbyanyotherwrittenlaw.
PART51
Specialprovisionsrelatingtocorporations
466.ProceedingsinrelationtowhichthisParthaseffect
(1)TheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActshallhaveeffectinrelationtoproceedingsintheHigh
Courtorinamagistrate'scourt.
ApplicationofPart
(2)TheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActshallapplytoalltrialsandpreliminaryinquiriesheld
underthisActandwherethereisaconflictbetweentheprovisionsofthisPartofthisActandother
provisionsofthisAct,theprovisionsofthisPartofthisActshallprevail.
467.Definitions
(1)InthisPartofthisAct"corporation"meansanybodycorporate,incorporatedinNigeriaor
elsewhere.
(2)InthisPartofthisAct"representative"inrelationtoacorporationmeansapersonduly
appointedbythecorporationtorepresentitforthepurposeofdoinganyactorthingwhichthe
representativeofacorporationisbythisPartofthisActauthorisedtodo,butapersonsoappointed
shallnot,byvirtueonlyofbeingsoappointed,bequalifiedtoactonbehalfofthecorporationbefore
anycourtforanyotherpurpose.
(3)ArepresentativeforthepurposeofthisPartofthisActneednotbeappointedundertheseal
ofthecorporation,andastatementinwritingpurportingtobesignedbyamanagingdirectorofthe
corporation,orbyanyperson(bywhatevernamecalled)having,orbeingoneofthepersonshaving,the
managementoftheaffairsofthecorporation,totheeffectthatthepersonnamedinthestatementhas
beenappointedastherepresentativeofthecorporationforthepurposesofthisPartofthisAct,shallbe
admissiblewithoutfurtherproofasprimafacieevidencethatthatpersonhasbeensoappointed.
468.Pleabycorporation
Whereacorporationiscalledupontopleadtoanychargeorinformation(includinganewchargeor
informationframedundertheprovisionsofsection162ofthisAct,orachargeorinformationaddedto
oralteredundertheprovisionsofsection162orsection163ofthisAct),itmayenterinwritingbyits
representativeapleaofguiltyornotguiltyoranypleawhichmaybeenteredundertheprovisionsof
section221ofthisAct,andifeitherthecorporationdoesnotappearbyarepresentativeor,thoughit
doessoappear,failstoenterasaforesaidanyplea,thecourtshallorderapleaofnotguiltytobe
enteredandthetrialshallproceedasthoughthecorporationhasdulyenteredapleaofnotguilty.
469.Committalofcorporationfortrial
AmagistratemaycommitacorporationfortrialtotheHighCourtbyanorderinwritingempowering
theprosecutortopreferaninformationinrespectoftheoffencenamedintheorder.
470.Applicationofsection340(2)
Anorderundersection469ofthisActshallnotprohibittheinclusionintheinformationofcountsthat,
undertheprovisotosubsection(2)ofsection340ofthisAct,maybeincludedintheinformationin
substitutionfororinadditiontocountschargingtheoffencenamedintheorder.
471.Powersofrepresentative
Arepresentativemayonbehalfofacorporation
(a) makeastatementbeforeamagistrateholdingapreliminaryinquiryinanswertothe
charge;
(b) consentorobjecttosummarytrial;
(c) statewhetherthecorporationisreadytobetriedonachargeorinformationoraltered
chargeorinformationtowhichthecorporationhasbeencalledontopleadunderthe
provisionsofsubsection(1)ofsection164ofthisAct;
(d) consenttothehearinganddeterminationofacomplaintbeforethereturndateofa
summonsinaccordancewithsection84ofthisAct;
(e) expressassenttothetrialofthecorporationoninformationinaccordancewiththe
furtherprovisotosubsection(1)ofsection349ofthisAct,notwithstandingthatacopy
oftheinformationandnoticeoftrialhavenotbeenservedonthecorporationthree
daysormorebeforethedateonwhichthecorporationistobetried.
472.Matterstobereadorsaidorexplainedtorepresentative
Wherearepresentativeappears,anyrequirementofthisActthatanythingshallbedoneinthepresence
oftheaccused,orshallbereadorsaidorexplainedtotheaccused,shallbeconstruedasarequirement
thatthatthingshallbedoneinthepresenceoftherepresentativeorreadorsaidorexplainedtothe
representative:
Providedthatparagraph(a)ofsubsection(1)ofsection287ofthisActshallbesufficiently
compliedwithiftherepresentativeisaskedifhehasanywitnessestoexamineorotherevidenceto
adduceforthedefence,andifthewitnessesandotherevidenceifanyareheard.
473.Nonappearanceofrepresentative
Wherearepresentativedoesnotappear,anysuchrequirementasisreferredtoinsection472
ofthisAct,andanyrequirementthattheconsentoftheaccusedshallbeobtainedforsummarytrial,
shallnotapply.
474.Saving
SubjecttotheprecedingprovisionsofthisPartofthisAct,theprovisionsofthisActrelatingtothe
inquiryintoandtrialofoffencesshallapplytoacorporationastheyapplytoanadult.
475.Jointchargeagainstcorporationandindividual
Whereacorporationischargedjointlywithanindividualwithanoffencebeforeamagistrate,thenifthe
offenceisnotasummaryconvictionoffence,butonethatmaybetriedsummarilywiththeconsentof
theaccused,themagistrateshallnottryeitheroftheaccusedsummarilyunlesseachofthemconsents
tobesotried.
476.Serviceoncorporation
Theprovisionsofparagraph(b)ofsection89ofthisActshallapplytotheserviceonacorporationofany
information,noticeorotherdocumentwhichisbythisActrequiredtobeserveduponordeliveredtoa
personchargedastheydototheserviceofasummons.
CHAPTER12
PART52
ServiceandexecutionthroughoutNigeriaoftheprocessofthecourts
oftheStates
477.Interpretation
InthisChapterofthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires
"Chapters1to11"meansChapters1to11inclusiveofthisAct;
"court","judge","justiceofthepeace"and"magistrate"meanacourt,judge,justiceofthepeaceor
magistratetowhichChapters1to11ofthisActapply;
"State"includestheFederalCapitalTerritory,Abuja.
478.Serviceofsummonsissuedoninformation,etc.
(1)Thissectionappliestoasummons(otherthanasummonstocompeltheattendanceofa
witness)whichisissuedunderthisActoninformationorcomplaint.
(2)AsummonstowhichthissectionapplieswhichisissuedinoneStatemaybeservedonthe
persontowhomitisaddressedinanotherState.
(3)Serviceunderthissectionmay,subjecttotherulesofcourtinforceunderthisAct,be
effectedinthesamewayasitcouldbeeffectedintheStateinwhichthesummonswasissued.
(4)ServicesoeffectedshallhavethesameforceandeffectasifithadbeenserviceintheState
inwhichthesummonswasissued,andifthepersononwhomservicehasbeeneffectedfailstoappear
beforethecourtandatthetimeandplacespecifiedinthesummonsanditappearstothecourtthat
servicewaseffectedasufficienttimebeforethetimesospecified,thelikeproceedingsmaybetakenas
ifservicehadbeeneffectedintheStateinwhichthesummonswasissued.
(5)Theprovisionsofsections94and95ofthisActshallapplyinrelationtoasummonsserved
outsidetheStateinwhichitwasissuedastheyapplytosuchsummonsservedwithintheStateinwhich
itwasissuedbutasifthereferenceinsection95ofthisActto"thecourtwhichissuedthesummons"
wereareferencetothecourtofamagistrateoftheStateinwhichitwasserved.
479.SubpoenaorsummonstowitnessmaybeservedinanotherStatebyleave
(1)WhenasubpoenaorsummonshasbeenissuedinaccordancewithChapters1to11ofthis
Actbyanycourt,judgeormagistrateinanyStaterequiringanypersontoappearandgiveevidenceor
toproducebooksordocumentsinanyproceedingunderthisAct,suchsubpoenaorsummonsmay,if
thecourt,judgeormagistrateissatisfiedthatthetestimonyofsuchpersonortheproductionofsuch
booksordocumentsisnecessaryintheinterestofjustice,byleaveofsuchcourt,judgeormagistrateon
suchtermsasthecourt,judgeormagistratemayimpose,beservedonsuchpersoninanyotherState.
(2)WhenapersonhasbeenboundbyrecognisanceinaccordancewithChapters1to11to
attendasawitnessatanycourtofaState,anoticeofthehearingortrialofthecaseinrespectofwhich
heisboundmaybeservedonsuchpersoninanyotherState.
(3)Ifapersonuponwhomasubpoena,summonsornoticeofhearinghasbeenservedin
accordancewithsubsection(1)ofthissectionfailstoattendatthetimeandplacementionedinsuch
subpoena,summons,ornoticeofhearing,suchcourt,judgeormagistratemayonproofthatthe
subpoena,summons,ornoticeofhearingwasdulyservedonsuchpersonissuesuchwarrantforthe
apprehensionofsuchpersonassuchcourt,judgeormagistratemighthaveissuedifthesubpoena,
summonsornoticeofhearinghadbeenservedintheStateinwhichitwasissued.
(4)SuchwarrantmaybeexecutedinsuchotherStateinthemannerprovidedinthisChapterof
thisActincaseofwarrantsissuedfortheapprehensionofpersonschargedwithanoffence.
480.Ordersforproductionofprisoners
(1)Where
(a) anypersonaccusedbeforeanycourtofaStateisconfinedinaprisonorotherlawful
placeofconfinementinanyotherState;or
(b) itappearstoanycourtofaStatethattheattendanceofanypersonwhoisinlawful
confinementinanyStateisnecessaryforthepurposeofobtainingevidenceinany
proceedingbeforethecourtunderthisAct,thecourtmayissueanorderdirectedtothe
superintendentorotherofficerinchargeoftheprisonorplacewherethepersonis
confinedrequiringhimtoproducethepersonatthetimeandplacespecifiedinthe
order.
(2)Anyordermadeunderthissectionmaybeserveduponthesuperintendentorofficerto
whomitisdirectedinwhateverStatehemaybeandheshallthereuponproduceinsuchcustodyashe
thinksfitthepersonreferredtointheorderatthetimeandplacespecifiedtherein.
(3)Thecourtbeforewhichanypersonisproducedinaccordancewithanorderissuedunder
paragraph(b)ofsubsection(1)ofthissectionmaymakesuchorderastothecostsofcompliancewith
thisorderastothecourtseemsjust.
481.Modeofproofofservice
Whenanysummons,subpoena,noticeorotherprocesshasundertheprovisionsofthisChapterbeen
servedoutoftheStateinwhichitwasissuedsuchservicemaybeproved
(a) byaffidavitswornbeforeanymagistrateorjusticeofthepeacehavingjurisdictionin
theStateinwhichsuchservicewaseffected;or
(b) inanymannerinwhichsuchservicemighthavebeenprovedifithasbeeneffected
withintheStateinwhichthesummons,subpoena,noticeorprocesswasissued.
482.ExecutionofwarrantsoutsideStateofissue
(1)Whereacourt,ajudge,amagistrateorajusticeofthepeaceofanyStatehasinaccordance
withthisAct,issuedawarrantfortheapprehensionofaperson,amagistrateofanotherStatebeinga
Stateinoronhiswaytowhichthepersonagainstwhomthewarranthasbeenissuedisorissupposed
tobe,shall,onbeingsatisfiedthatthewarrantwasissuedbythecourt,judge,magistrateorjusticeof
thepeace,makeanendorsementonthewarrantintheform,ortotheeffectoftheform,intheFifth
ScheduleauthorisingitsexecutioninthatotherState.
[FifthSchedule.]
(2)Awarrantsoendorsedissufficientauthoritytothepersonbringingthewarrant,toallpolice
officersandpersonstowhomthewarrantisdirectedandtoallpoliceofficersinthatotherStateto
executethewarrantinthatotherState,toapprehendthepersonagainstwhomthewarrantwasissued
andtobringthatpersonbeforeamagistrateofthatState.
(3)Themagistratebeforewhomthepersonisbroughtshall
(a) bywarrantunderhishand,orderthepersontobereturnedtotheStateinwhichthe
originalwarrantwasissuedand,forthatpurpose,tobedeliveredintothecustodyof
thepersonbringingthewarrantorofapoliceofficerorotherpersontowhomthe
warrantwasoriginallydirected;or
(b) wheretheoffencechargedisanoffenceinrespectofwhichhemayadmitapersonto
bail,admitthepersontobail,onsuchrecognisancesashethinksfit,onconditionthat
thepersonappearsatsuchtime(notexceedingonemonthafterthedateoftheorder
admittinghimtobail)andatsuchplaceintheStateinwhichtheoriginalwarrantwas
issuedasthemagistratespecifiestoanswerthechargeorcomplaintortobedealtwith
accordingtolaw.
(4)Themagistratebeforewhomthepersonisbroughthas,forthepurposesofthissection,the
samepowertoremandthepersonandadmithimtobailforthatpurposeashehasinthecaseof
personsapprehendedunderwarrantsissuedbyhim.
483.Arrestwithoutwarrant
(1)WhereapersonisarrestedwithoutawarrantinaStateorpartoftheFederationandthere
isinthatStatenomagistratewhohasjurisdictionwithrespecttotheoffencewithwhichtheperson
apprehendedischarged,thepersonapprehendedshallbetakenassoonaspracticablebeforea
magistrateofaStatewhohasjurisdiction:
Providedthatifthepersonapprehendedcannotbetakenbeforeamagistratewhohas
jurisdictionwithin24hoursofhisarrestandisthendetainedincustody,heshallbetakenassoonas
practicablebeforeamagistrateoftheStateinwhichhewasarrestedandsuchmagistrateshall
(a) bywarrantunderhishand,orderthepersontobereturnedtotheStateinwhichthere
isamagistratewhohasjurisdictionwithrespecttotheoffence,andforthatpurposeto
bedeliveredintothecustodyofapoliceofficerorotherpersonbywhomhewas
arrested;or
(b) wheretheoffencechargedisanoffenceinrespectofwhichhemayadmitapersonto
bail,admitthepersontobail,onsuchrecognisancesashethinksfit,onconditionthat
thepersonappearsatsuchtime(notexceedingonemonthafterthedateoftheorder
admittinghimtobail)andatsuchplaceintheStateinwhichamagistratehas
jurisdictionwithrespecttotheoffencechargedasmaybespecifiedintheorderto
answerthechargeorcomplaintorbedealtwithaccordingtolaw.
(2)Amagistratebeforewhomapersonisbroughthas,forthepurposesofthissection,thesame
powertoremandthepersonandadmithimtobailforthatpurposeashehasinthecaseofpersons
arrestedunderwarrantsissuedbyhim.
484.Reviewoforderofmagistrate
(1)Whereapersonapprehendedisdissatisfiedwithanordermadeundersubsection(3)of
section482ofthisAct,orundersubsection(1)ofsection483ofthisAct,hemayapplytoajudgeofthe
HighCourtoftheStateinwhichhewasapprehendedforareviewoftheorderandthejudgemay
reviewtheorder.
(2)Ajudgetowhomanapplicationismadeforthereviewofanordermay
(a) exceptwheretheoffencechargedisanoffenceinrespectofwhichbailmaynotbe
granted,orderthereleaseonbailoftheapprehendedpersononsuchtermsand
conditionsasthejudgethinksfit;or
(b) directthattheapprehendedpersonbekeptinsuchcustodyasthejudgedirectsinthe
Stateinwhichthepersonisapprehendeduntiltheorderhasbeenreviewed.
(3)Thereviewoftheordershallbebywayofrehearing,andevidenceinadditionto,orin
substitutionfor,theevidencegivenonthemakingoftheordermaybegivenonorinconnectionwith
thereview.
(4)Uponthereviewofanorderthejudgemay
(a) confirmorvarytheorderorsubstituteaneworder;or
(b) ifitappearstohimthat
(i) thechargeisofatrivialnature;or
(ii) theapplicationforthereturnofthepersonhasnotbeenmadeingoodfaithin
theinterestsofjustice;or
(iii) foranyreasonitwouldbeunjustoroppressivetoreturnthepersoneitherat
alloruntiltheexpirationofacertainperiod,
orderthedischargeofthepersonororderthatthepersonbereturnedaftertheexpirationofaperiod
specifiedintheorderandthathebereleasedonbailuntiltheexpirationofthatperiod.
(5)Forthepurposesofthissection
(a) ajudgehasthesamepowertoadmitapersontobailashehasinthecaseofpersons
apprehendedunderwarrantsissuedbyhimorbyanymagistrateorjusticeofthepeace
oftheStateinwhichheexercisesjurisdiction;
(b) ajudge,invaryinganorderrelatingtoadmittancetobailorsubstitutinganeworder
admittingapersontobail,mayimposetermsrequiringthepersonapprehendedto
returntotheStateinwhichtheoriginalwarrantwasissuedwithinsuchtime(whether
moreorlessthanonemonthafterthemakingoftheorder)ashethinksfit.
485.Forfeitureofrecognisances
(1)Whereapersonhas,inpursuanceofsection482,483,or484ofthisAct,beenadmittedto
bailinaState,andamagistrateforthatState,orwherethepersonwasadmittedtobailbyajudgeof
theHighCourtofthatState,ajudgeofthatcourt,issatisfiedthatthepersonhasfailedtocomplywith
theconditionsoftherecognisanceuponwhichhewassoadmittedtobail,thatmagistrateorjudgemay
declaretherecognisancetobeforfeited.
(2)Wherearecognisanceissodeclaredtobeforfeited,paymentofanysumdueunderthe
recognisancebyapersonresidingintheStateinwhichtherecognisancewasdeclaredtobeforfeited
maybeenforcedinthesamemannerasarecognisanceenteredintointhatStateinaccordancewith
theprovisionsofChapters1to11ofthisAct.
(3)Anamountrecoveredinpursuanceofthissectionshallbetransmittedtotheprincipalofficer
oftheTreasuryoftheStateinwhichtheoriginalwarrantwasissued.
486.ExecutionofdistresswarrantsoutsideStateofissue
(1)WhereacourtofaStatehasinaccordancewithChapters1to11ofthisActissuedawarrant
ofdistress,amagistrateofanotherState,beingaStateinwhichanymoneyorgoodsoftheperson
againstwhomthewarrantisissuedareoraresupposedtobe,may,onbeingsatisfiedthatthewarrant
wasissuedbythecourt,makeanendorsementonthewarrantintheformortotheeffectoftheformin
theFifthScheduleauthorisingitsexecutioninthatotherState.
[FifthSchedule.]
(2)Awarrantsoendorsedmaybeexecutedbythesamepersons,inthesamemannerandto
thesameextentasawarrantofdistressissuedbythecourtbywhichitwasendorsed.
(3)Theamountrecoveredunderawarrantendorsed,afterdeductionofthepropercostsand
chargesoftheexecutionandanysumpayabletoanypersonuponwhosegoodsthedistresswaslevied,
shallbetransmittedtothecourtbywhichtheoriginalwarrantwasissued.
486A.InsertedbyL.N156of1960,deletedbyL.N112of1964.
PART53
487.ProvisionsforDirectorsofPublicProsecutions
IntheapplicationofthisActandanyinstrumentmadeunderthisActtotheStatesofNigeriaformerly
knownasWesternRegionandtheEasterRegion,areferencetotheAttorneyGeneraloftheStateorthe
SolicitorGeneraloftheStateshallmeantheDirectorofPublicProsecutionsoftheState,anda
referencetothelawofficersoftheStateshallnotincludetheAttorneyGeneralortheSolicitorGeneral
oftheStatebutshallmeantheDirectorofPublicProsecutions.
[L.N.65of1958.]
488.InsertedbyL.N155of1960,deletedbyL.N112of1964.

______________
FIRSTSCHEDULE
[Section145.]
FORMS
FORMNO.1
Generalformoftitleofproceedings
(ForuseintheHighCourt)
INTHEHIGHCOURTOF
IntheHighCourtofthe.intheJudicialDivision
ChargeNo20.20..,
Complaint
Between
.................................................................................................Complainant,
and
.....................................................................................................Defendant.
(Foruseinmagistrate'scourt)
INTHEMAGISTRATE'SCOURT
IntheMagistrate'sCourtofthe..MagisterialDistrict
ChargeNo20.20..,
Between
.................................................................................................Complainant,
and
.....................................................................................................Defendant.
__________________

FORMNO.2
[Section35.]
Orderofrecognisancetokeepthepeace,andbeofgoodbehaviour
(GeneralTitleFormNo.1)
BeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe.inthe
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat.
The.dayof....twothousandand..
A.B.,havingmadeacomplaintthatC.D.,hereinaftercalledthedefendant,onthe
dayof..
at,intheaforesaid,
did.
.
Itisadjudgedthatthedefendantdoforthwithtothesatisfactionof
enterintoarecognisanceinthesumof..with
surety..inthesumof
[each]tokeepthepeaceandbeofgoodbehaviourtowardstheStateandallpersons,andespecially
towardsthecomplainant,forthetermof............................................................nownextensuing:
Anditisadjudgedthatifthedefendantfailtocomplywiththisorderhebeimprisonedinthe
prisonat.forthespaceof,
unlesshesoonercomplieswiththeorder.
Ifcostsareordered,add
Anditisorderedthatthedefendantpaytothesaidthe
sumof.forcosts[byinstalmentsof..forevery
........................................................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe
.......................................................dayof.......]:
Andindefaultofpaymentitisorderedthatthesumduebeleviedbydistressandsaleofthe
defendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthatthedefendantbeimprisonedinthesaid
prisonforthespaceof..commencing
attheterminationoftheimprisonmentbeforeordered,unlessthesaidsum[andallcostsandcharges
ofthe(saiddistressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
_____________________
FormNo.3
Complaint
ThecomplaintofC.D.(addressanddescription),whouponoath(oraffirmation)statesthatA.B.of
(addressanddescription)onthe..dayof
.................................................,20.at..inthe
.................................................................aforesaid,did*
.....
Takenbeforemethis..dayof.
...
Judge[orMagistrate]
*Stateconciselythesubstanceofthecomplaint.
__________________________
FORMNO.4
Summonstodefendant
ToA.B.of..
Complainthasbeenmadethisdaybyfor
thatyouonthedayof.at
....................................................................inthe.aforesaiddid*
.
..
Youarethereforeherebysummonedtoappearbeforethe..
High/Magistrate'sCourtsittingat.
onthe..dayof,atthehourof...inthe
...................................................................................noontoanswertothesaidcomplaint.
DATEDthedayof.20

Judge[orMagistrate]
_________________________
FORMNO.5
Warrantforapprehensionofdefendantwhohasdisobeyedsummons
To.PoliceOfficerortoeachandallPoliceOfficers.
Complainthasbeenmadeonthedayof.that
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendantonthe..dayof
..............................................................,at.intheaforesaid,did*
..
AndthedefendantwasthereuponsummonedtoappearbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtof
the........................................Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsitting
atonthe..dayof..atthe
hourofinthenoon,toanswertothesaidcharge:
Anoathhasbeenmadethatthedefendantwasdulyservedwiththesummons,butdidnotappear,
andthatsuchcomplaintistrue.
YouarethereforecommandedtobringthedefendantbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'scourtof
the........................................................................................intheJudicial/MagisterialDivision
Sittingatforthwithtoanswertothesaidcomplaint
andbefurtherdealtwithaccordingtolaw.
DATEDthe..dayof..twothousand
and..
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
________________________
FORMNO.6
[Section97]
Warrantforapprehensionofdefendantinfirstinstance
To..PoliceOfficer.
Complaintonoathhasbeenmadeonthedayof
.....................................................,bythatA.B.,hereinaftercalled
thedefendantonthedayof.at
....................................................................intheaforesaid.did*
.....
..
YouarethereforeherebycommandedtobringthedefendantbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourt
of.ntheJudicial/Magisterial
Divisionsittingat..forthwith
toanswerthesaidcomplaintandbedealtwithaccordingtolaw.
DATEDthe.dayof.................................twothousand
and.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
________________________
FORMNO.7
Summonstowitness
ToE.F
A.B.hasbeenchargedbyforthatheonthe
..............................................dayof.At..inthe
.................................................................aforesaid,did*.
......
anditappearingtomebytheoathof...........
thatyouarelikelytogivematerialevidencethereinonbehalfoftheinformant[orcomplainantor
defendant],andwillnotvoluntarilyappearforthatpurpose.
YouarethereforeherebysummonedtoappearbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe.
..............................................................................intheJudicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat
..................................................,ondaythedayof
...................................................................atthehourofinthe
................................................................noon,totestifywhatyouknowinsuchmatter.
DATEDthe..dayof.twothousand
and.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
________________________
FORMNO.
8[Section139.]
Conviction(forfeitedrecognisance)
BeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtoftheinthe
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat
the........................................................dayoftwothousandand
AB.,hereinaftercalledthedefendant,wasbyhisrecognisanceenteredintothe..,
dayof..boundinthesumof
............................................................................................,andhissuretiesC.D.andE.F.inthesum
of....................................................................each,theconditionoftherecognisancebeingthatthesaid
defendantshould.
Anditbeingnowprovedthatthedefendantwasonthe..dayof
..........................................................................................................,convictedoftheoffenceofhaving
.......................................................................................,thesamebeingabreachofthesaidcondition:
Itisthereforeadjudgedthatthesaidrecognisancebeforfeited,andthatthesaid.
paytothesumofandthefurthersumof
..........................................................................................................forcosts[byinstalmentsof
...................................................forevery.days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]
forthwith[oronthedayof]:
Andindefaultofpaymentitisorderedthatthesumduefromthesaid
underthisadjudicationbeleviedbydistressandsaleofhisgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistress
thathebeimprisonedintheprisonat
forthespaceof..unlessthesaidsums[andallcostsandchargesofthe
(saiddistressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
_________________
FORMNO.9
Warrantforapprehensionofawitness
To.Policeconstablesortoeachandallthe
constablesof..
E.F.wasdulysummonedtoappearbeforetheMagistrate'sCourtofthe
MagisterialDistrictsittingat..on
...........................................daythedayof.atthe
hourorinthenoon,totestifywhatheshouldknow
concerningacertaincomplaintagainstA.B.
Andhehasneitherappearedthereto,norofferedanyjustexcuseforhisneglect.
Andithasbeenprovedonoaththatthesummonshasbeendulyservedonhim[andthatareasonable
sumhasbeenpaid(ortendered)tohimforhiscostsandexpensesinthatbehalf].
YouarethereforeherebycommandedtobringhimbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe
.intheJudicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat
................................forthwithtotestifywhatheknowsconcerningthesaidmatter.
DATEDthe..dayof..twothousand
and..
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
FORMNO.10
Warrantforapprehensionofwitnessinfirstinstance
To
A.B.hasbeenchargedby.forthatheon
thedayofatinthe..................................................................aforesaiddid*
..................................
Anditappearingtomebytheoathof.
thatE.F.islikelytogivematerialevidenceconcerningthesaidmatter,andthatitisprobable
hewillnotattendtogiveevidenceunlesscompelledtodo:
YouarethereforeherebycommandedtobringhimbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe
.............intheMagisterial/JudicialDivision
sittingatforthwithtotestifywhatheknowsconcerningthesaidmatter.
DATEDthe..dayoftwothousand
and.

Judge[orMagistrate]
_________________________
FORMNO.11
Warrantofcommitmentofwitness
ToandtotheSuperintendentofprison.
E.Fhavingappearedorbeingbroughtbeforethe
High/Magistrate'sCourtof..inthe
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat..onday
the.dayof,totestifywhatheshould
knowconcerningacertainmatteragainstA.B.refusedtotakeanoath[orhavingtakenanoath]refused
toanswerany[oracertain]questionputtohimconcerningthepremisesanddidnotofferanyjust
excuseforhisrefusal.
YouthesaidPoliceOfficerareherebycommandedtoconveythesaidE.F.safelytothesaidprison,and
theredeliverhimtotheSuperintendentthereof,togetherwiththisWarrant,andyou,the
Superintendentofthesaidprison,toreceivehimintoyourcustody,andkeephimforthespaceof
....................................................,unlessheinthemeantimeconsentstobeexaminedananswer
concerningthepremises.
DATEDthe..dayof.twothousand
and.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
FORMNO.12
Commitmentonremand
ToeachandalloftheofficersoftheNigerianPoliceandtotheSuperintendentof...
prison.
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendantbeingbroughtbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe
.....................................................................intheJudicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat
.,chargedwithhaving....................................
thehearingofthecasebeingadjourned:
YouthesaidPoliceOfficersareherebycommandedtoconveythedefendanttothesaidprison,
andtheretodeliverhimtotheSuperintendentthereof,togetherwiththiswarrant,andyou,the
Superintendentofthesaidprison,toreceivehimintoyourcustody,andkeephimuntilthe
...............................................dayof,20
andonthatdayyouthesaidPoliceOfficersoryouthesaidsuperintendent,areherebycommanded
toconveyhimbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe..
intheJudicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat..thehourof
......................................................inthenoon,tobefurtherdealtwithaccordingtolaw.
DATEDthe..dayoftwothousand
and.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
______________________
ENDORSEMENTWHEREBAILISALLOWED
IherebycertifythatIconsenttothedefendantbeingbailed,himselfin...
..nairaand
suretiesin..nairaeach.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
______________________
FORMNO.13
Conviction(withsecurity)
Thedayof..twothousand
and..
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,isthisdayconvictedforthatheonthe.
............................................dayofat..inthe
...................................................................aforesaid,did..
butthecourtbeingofopinionthatthesaidoffencewasofsotriflinganaturethatitisinexpedient
toinflictany[oranyotherthananominal]punishment,andthedefendanthavinggivensecurityto
thesatisfactionofthisCourttoappearforsentencewhencalledupon[ortobeofgoodbehaviour],
heisdischarged.
Anditisorderedthatthedefendantpaytothesaid..the
sumof.forcosts[byinstalmentsof.forevery
................................................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwithroronthe
.............................................dayof..]:
defendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthatthedefendantbeimprisonedintheprison
forthespaceof...
unlessthesaidsum[andallcostsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitmentbesooner
paid].
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
FORMNO.14
Conviction(imprisonment)
The.dayof...twothousand
and..
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,isthisdayconvictedforthatheonthe.
............................................day.ofatinthe
...................................................................aforesaid,did.......................................
Anditisadjudgedthatthedefendant,forhissaidoffence,beimprisonedintheprisonat
................................................................................................................andtherekepttohardlabour
[orwithouthardlabour]forthespaceof..
Anditisorderedthatthedefendantpayto..the
sumof..forcosts[byinstalmentsofforevery
...............................................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe
.............................................dayof.]:
defendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthatthedefendantbeimprisonedinthe
prison ,,,atforthespaceof
commencingattheterminationoftheimprisonmentbeforeadjudged,unlessthesaidsum[andall
costsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitmentbesoonerpaid].

Judge[orMagistrate]
__________________________________
FORMNO.15
[Sections255and257.]
Orderformoney(notacivildebt)
BeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtofthe..inthe
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingatMagisterialDivision
The.dayoftwothousand
and..
A.B.havingmadeacomplaintthatC.D.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,onthe.
............................................dayof..at.withinthe
...................................................................aforesaid,did........................................................
Onhearingthesaidcomplaint,itisorderedthatthedefendantpaytothesaid.
..........................................................................................thesumofandalsothe
sumof..forcosts[byinstalments.offorevery
..............................................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe
.............................................dayof....]:
Andindefaultofpaymentitisorderedthat[thesaidsumsbeleviedbydistressandsaleofthe
defendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthat]thedefendantbeimprisonedinthe
prisonat,...
andtherekepttohardlabour[orwithouthardlabour]forthespaceof.,
unlessthesaidsums[andallcostsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
______________________________________
FORMNo.16
Orderofdismissalwithdamages
The...dayof..twothousand
and..
ComplainthavingbeenmadebyA.B.thatC.D.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,onthe
dayof.at.
inthe..aforesaiddid.
..
AndtheCourtbeingofopinionthatthoughthesaidchargeisprovedtheoffenceisofsotrifling
anaturethatitisinexpedienttoinflictanypunishment,dothherebydismissthesaidinformation:
Butdothorderthatthedefendantdopaythecomplainantfor
damagesand.forcosts[byinstalmentsof..
..........................................................................forevery.days,thefirstinstalment
tobepaid]forthwith[oron.thedayof....
Andindefaultofpaymentitisorderedthatthesaidsumsbeleviedbydistressandsaleofthe
defendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthatthedefendantbeimprisonedinthe
prisonat.forthespaceof
...................................................................unlessthesaidsums[andallcostsandchargesofthe(said
distressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
____________________
FORMNo.17
ORDERFOROTHERMATTERS
The..dayof..........................................twothousand
And.
A.B.havingmadeacomplaintthatC.D.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,onthe
............................................dayof.at..inthe
...................................................................aforesaid.
Onhearingthesaidcomplaint,itisorderedthatthedefendantdo..
Ifimprisonmentisordered,add
Anditisadjudgedthatifthedefendantneglectorrefusetoobeythisorder,heisimprisonedinthe
prisonat.forthespaceof
.................................................................................days[orunlessthesaidorderbesoonerobeyed]
Anditisorderedthatthedefendantpaytothesaid..the
sumofforcosts[byinstalmentsofforevery
................................................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe
.............................................dayof..]:
prisonforthespaceof.
costsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
...
Judge[orMagistrate]
______________________________________
FORMNo.18
[Sections301.]
Orderofdismissal
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat..
The..dayof..twothousand
and
Complainthavingbeenmadeby......................................thatA.B.
hereinaftercalledthedefendant,onthedayof..
at.intheaforesaid,did
ThisCourthavingheardanddeterminedthesaidcomplaintdothdismissthesame.*
Anditisorderedthatthecomplainantpaytothesaiddefendant.the
sumof..forcosts[byinstalmentsof..forevery
............................................days,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe
.............................................dayof]:
Andindefaultofpaymentitisorderedthatthesumsduebeleviedbydistressandsaleofthe
complainant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthatthecomplainantbeimprisonedinthe
prisonat..forthespaceof
....................................................................,unlessthesaidsum[andallcostsandchargesofthe(said
distressand)commitment]besoonerpaid.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
*onitsmeritsorwithoutprejudicetoitsbeingbroughtagain.
______________________________
FORMNo.19
[Sections364.]
Summaryconviction(byconsent)forindictableoffence
Thedayof..twothousand
and.
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,beinganadult[oryoungperson]withinthemeaningof
theCriminalProcedureActisthisdaychargedforthatheonthe.
dayof..,atinthe
........................................................................................................................................aforesaid,
did.
.
Thedefendant,havingconsentedtobedealtwithsummarily,isconvictedofthesaidoffence:
Anditisadjudgedthat[proceedasinotherformsofconviction;ifcaningisordered,inserteitherin
additiontoorsubstitutionforanyotherpunishment
Andthatthedefendant,beingamalenothavingattainedtheageoffortyfiveyears,be,assoon
aspracticable,privatelycanedwith..strokesofalightcaneorrod.]

Judge[orMagistrate]
_______________________________________
FORMNo.20
[Sections304.]
Conviction(onpleaofguilty)forindictableoffence
The.dayof..twothousand
and.
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,isthisdaychargedforthatheonthe
dayof.,at..inthe
.....................................................................................................................................aforesaid,did
Andthedefendant,havingpleadedguiltytothecharge,isconvictedoftheoffence,andisadjud
gedtobeimprisonedintheprisonat
andtherekepttohardlabourorwithouthardlabourforthespaceof...
prisonforthespaceof
costsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitmentbesoonerpaid].
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
______________________________________
FORMNo.21
Convictionforpenalty,and,indefaultofpayment,imprisonment
Judicial/MagisterialDivisionsittingat...
The.dayof..twothousand
and......
A.B.hereinaftercalledthedefendant,isthisdayconvictedforthathe
onthe.dayof.,at.withinthe
....................................................................................................aforesaid,did
Anditisadjudgedthatthedefendantforhissaidoffencedoforfeitandpaythesumof
anddoalsopaythefurthersumof.
forcompensationandforcosts[byinstalmentsof.
foreverydays,thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]
forthwith[oronthe..dayof..]:
Andindefaultofpaymentitisadjudgedthat[thesumsdueunderthisadjudicationbeleviedby
distressandsaleofthedefendant'sgoods,andindefaultofsufficientdistressthat]thedefendantbe
imprisonedintheprison
at.
andtherekepttohardlabour[orwithouthardlabour]forthespaceof........................................,
unlessthesaidsums[andallcostsandchargesofthe(saiddistressand)commitment]besooner
paid.
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
__________________________________
FORMNo.22
[Section398.]
Warrantofdistress(forpenalty)
To.
A.B.,hereinaftercalledthedefendant,wasonthedayof
..............................................................................convictedbeforetheHigh/Magistrate'sCourtof
summaryjurisdictionsitting..atforthatheonthedayof
........................................atintheaforesaid,did
Anditwasadjudgedthatthedefendantforthesaidoffenceshouldbeimprisoned[orforfeitand
paythesumof...]andshouldalsopaythesumof
....................................................[forcompensationand..]for
costs[byinstalmentsofforevery.days,
thefirstinstalmenttobepaid]forthwith[oronthe..dayof
...............................],andthatindefaultthesaidsum[orsums]shouldbeleviedby
distress,.anddefaulthavingbeenmadeinpayment.
Youareherebycommandedforthwithtomakedistressofthegoodsofthedefendant(except
thewearingapparelandbeddingofhimandhisfamily,and,tothevalueoftennaira,thetoolsand
implementsofhistrade);andifwithinthespaceoffivecleardaysnextafterthemakingofsuchdistress,
unlessheconsentsinwritingtoanearliersale,thesumstatedatthefootofthiswarrant,togetherwith
thereasonablecostsandchargesofthemakingandkeepingofthesaiddistress,benotpaid,thentosell
thesaidgoods,andpaythemoneyarisingtherefromtotheregistrarofthatcourt,andifnosuch
distresscanbefound,tocertifythesametothatcourt.
DATEDthe.dayof..twothousandand..
.
Judge[orMagistrate]
N K
Amountadjudged
Paid.
Remainingdue..
Costsofissuingthiswarrant
Totalamounttobelevied....
_____________________________
SECONDSCHEDULE
Undercriminalcodewithonehead
2.Thatyou,onthedayof...............................................................
atbeingawitnessuponthe
trialofacaseintheMagistrate'sCourtofthe.
MagisterialDistrictsittingat..inwhichone
.............................................................................................................wasdefendant,knowinglyfalsely
sworethatyousawoneM.N.snatchaleatherwalletfromoneY.Z.inastreetcalledBroadStreet,
onthe.dayof
..........................................................................................................,andtherebycommittedanoffence
punishableundersection118oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection118.]
3.Thatyou,onthe..dayof..at..with
intenttomisleadthecourtinthecourseofthetrialoffabricated
evidencebymeansotherthanperjurytowit:
..................................................................................................andtherebycommittedanoffenceagainst
section120(1)oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection120(1).]
4.Thatyou,beingacommonprostitute,onthe.dayof
.........................................................,atbehavedinan
indecentmannerbyexposingyournakedpersoninBroadStreetandtherebycommittedanoffence
punishableundersection249(a)(i)oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection249(a)(i).]
5.Thatyou,onthedayof,at
.......................................................................unlawfullykilledC.D.andtherebycommittedanoffence
punishableundersection325oftheCriminalCode.
6.Thatyou,onthe.dayofat.....................................................................
..aidedA.B.inkillinghimselfandtherebycommitted
anoffencepunishableundersection326(3)oftheCriminalCode.
7.Thatyou,onthedayof..,at
unlawfullywoundedCD.withintenttomaim,disfigureordisableortodosomegrievousharmor
toresistthelawfularrestofyourselfandtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection332
(1)oftheCriminalCode.
8.Thatyou,onthe.dayofat..
unlawfullywoundedCD.andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection338(1)ofthe
CriminalCode.
9.Thatyou,onthe.dayofat..
unlawfullyandindecentlyassaultedM.S.andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection
360oftheCriminalCode.
10.Thatyou,onthedayofat..
robbedCD.of(statethething)andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection402ofthe
CriminalCode.
11.Thatyou,onthe..dayof.at..
withintenttodefraud,obtainedfromS.P.fiveyardsofclothbyfalselypretendingthatyouwerea
servanttoJ.S.andthatyouhadthenbeensentbythesaidJ.S.toS.P.forthesaidcloth,andthatyou
werethenauthorisedbythesaidJS.toreceivetheclothonbehalfofthesaidJS.andtherebycommitted
anoffencepunishableundersection419oftheCriminalCode.
12.Thatyou,onthe.dayof20at
................................withintenttodefraud,obtainedfromA.B.
byfalselypretendingthatyouwereabletodoublemoney.
13.Thatyou.onthedayof
...................................................at..hadinyour
possessiononegoldwatchreasonablysuspectedofhavingbeenstolenorunlawfullyobtainedand
therebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection430(1)oftheCriminalCode.
14.Thatyou,onthedayof..
at,wilfullyandunlawfullysetfiretoahouse
andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection443oftheCriminalCode.
15.Thatyou,onthe..dayof..
at.,forgedanaccountablereceiptpurportingtobethe
receiptofCD.,andtherebycommittedanoffencecontrarytosection467(2)(i)oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection467(2)(i).]
CHARGESWITHTWOORMOREHEADS
16.First,
Thatyou,onthedayof.....,
at....................................................,unlawfullysuppliedtoCD.(statethingsupplied)
knowingthatitwasintendedtobeunlawfullyusedtoprocurethemiscarriageofawomanandthereby
committedanoffencepunishableundersection230oftheCriminalCode.
Second,
Thatyou,onoraboutthedayof,
at,unlawfullyprocuredforCD.(statething
procured)knowingthatitwasintendedtobeunlawfullyusedtoprocurethemiscarriageofawoman
andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection230oftheCriminalCode.
17.First,
Thatyou,onthe.dayof,
at..............,soldmatchesmadewithwhite(yellow)phosphorusandthereby
committedandoffencepunishableundersection248(a)oftheCriminalCode.
Second,
Thatyou,onthe.dayof.
at.,hadinyourpossessionforthepurposesof
saleofmatchesmadewithwhite(yellow)phosphorusandtherebycommittedanoffencepunishable
undersection248(a)oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection248(a).]
18.First,
Thatyou,onthe..dayof.,
at.,stole(statethethingstolen)thepropertyof
CD.andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection390oftheCriminalCode.
Second,
Thatyou,onthedayof.....
At..,stole(statethethingstolen)whichhad
beenentrustedtoyoubyC.D.foryoutoretaininsafecustodyandtherebycommittedanoffence
punishableundersection390(8)(b)oftheCriminalCode.
Third,
Thatyou,onthedayof..,
at,stole(statethethingstolen)whichhadbeenreceivedbyyouforandonaccountofCD
andtherebycommittedanoffencepunishableundersection390(8)(c)oftheCriminalCode.
[CriminalCodeSection390(8)(c).]
______________________________
THIRDSCHEDULE
[Sections338(2)and463.]
1.STATEMENTOFOFFENCE
Perjury,contrarytosection118oftheCriminalCode.
Particularsofoffence
A.B.,onthe.dayof.,20,intheprovinceof,
...........................................beingawitnessuponthetrialofanactionintheHighCourtinwhich
One.wasplaintiff,andone
wasdefendant,knowinglygavefalsetestimonythathesawoneM.W.inthestreetcalledtheMarina,
Lagos,onthedayof,20
Utteringcounterfeitcoin,contrarytosection151oftheCriminalCode.
Utteringcounterfeitcoin,contrarytosection151oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof.,20.,at....................................................
marketintheprovinceof
utteredacounterfeitshilling,knowingthesametobecounterfeit.
Murder,contrarytosection319oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof,20..............,inthe
provinceof.,murderedJS.
Accessoryafterthefacttomurder,contrarytosection322oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,wellknowingthatone,H.C.,didonthe..dayof.
,murderC.C.,didonthedayof,20..............
,intheprovinceof,andonotherdaysthereafterreceive,comfort,
harbour,assistandmaintainthesaidH.C.
Manslaughter,contrarytosection325oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof,20.,inthe
provinceof..,unlawfullykilledJ.S.
6.STATEMENTOFOFFENCEFIRSTCOUNT
Woundingwithintent,contrarytosection332,subsection(1),oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe..dayof..,20.,inthe
provinceof..,woundedC.D.,withintenttomaim,disfigureordisable,
ortodosomegrievousharm,ortoresistthelawfularrestofhimthesaidA.B.
Statementofoffencesecondcount
Wounding,contrarytosection338,subsection(1),oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof..,20.,inthe
provinceof.,unlawfullywoundedC.D.
Rape,contrarytosection358oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof.,20..,inthe
provinceof...,hadcarnalknowledgeofE.F.withoutherconsent.
Publishingdefamatorymatter,contrarytosection375oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof,20..,inthe
provinceof,publisheddefamatorymatteraffectingE.F.,intheform
ofaletter[book,pamphlet,picture,orasthecasemaybe]
[Innuendoshouldbestatedwherenecessary.]
Stealing,contrarytosection390oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe..dayof..,20..,inthe
provinceof,stoleabag,thepropertyofC.D.
STATEMENTOFOFFENCESECONDCOUNT
Receivingstolengoods,contrarytosection427oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe...dayof.,20.,inthe
provinceof.,didreceiveabag,thepropertyofC.D.,
knowingthesametohavebeenstolen.
Stealingbyclerksandservants,contrarytosection390(6)oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof.,20,inthe
provinceof.,beingclerkorservanttoM.N.,stolefromthesaidM.N.tenyardsofcloth.
Stealingbyagentsandotherscontrarytosection390(8)(b)oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof.,20.,inthe
provinceof,stoletwohundrednairawhichhadbeenentrustedto
himbyH.S.,forhim,thesaidA.B.,toretaininsafecustody.
Stealingbyagentsandothers,contrarytosection390(8)(c)oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof..,20,inthe
provinceof................................,stoletwohundrednairawhichhasbeenreceivedbyhim
forandonaccountofL.M.
Robberywithviolence,contrarytosection402oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof.,20,inthe
provinceof.,robbedCDofawatch,andat,orimmediatelybefore
orimmediatelyafter,thetimeofsuchrobberydidusepersonalviolencetothesaidCD.
Demandingpropertybywrittenthreats,contrarytosection407oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof..,20,inthe
provinceof.,withintenttoextortmoneyfromCD.,
causedthesaidCD.,toreceivealettercontainingthreatsofinjuryordetrimenttobecausedtoE.F.
Attempttoextortbythreats,contrarytosection408oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof..,20,inthe
provinceof..,withintenttoextortmoneyfromCD.,accusedor
threatenedtoaccusethesaidCD.ofanunnaturaloffence.
Obtaininggoodsbyfalsepretences,contrarytosection419oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe...dayof..,20.,inthe
provinceof,withintenttodefraud,obtainedformS.P.fiveyardsof
clothbyfalselypretendingthathe,thesaidA.B.,wasaservanttoJS.,andthathe,thesaidA.B.,had
thenbeensentbythesaidJS.toS.P.forthesaidcloth,andthathe,thesaidA.B.,wasthenauthorised
bythesaidJS.toreceivethesaidclothonbehalfofthesaidJS.
Burglary,contrarytosection411,andstealing,contrarytosection390(4)(b)oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof,20..,inthe
provinceof..,provinceof,didbreakandenterthedwellinghouseofC.D.,
withintenttocommitafelonytherein,namelytostealtherein,anddidstealthereinonewatch,the
propertyofS.T.
Conspiracytodefraud,contrarytosection422oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,andC.D.onthe...dayof,20,andon
diversdaysbetweenthatdayandthe.dayof,20..
Intheprovinceof..
conspiredtogetherwithintenttodefraudbymeansofanadvertisementinsertedbythem,the said
A.B.andC.D.,intheH.S.newspaper,falselyrepresentingthatA.B.andC.D.werethencarrying
onagenuinebusinessasjewellersat,intheprovince
of..,andthattheywerethenabletosupplycertainarticles
orjewellerytowhomsoeverwouldremittothemthesumoffournaira.
Fraudulentfalseaccounting,contrarytosection438oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe...dayof,20..,inthe
provinceof,beingclerkorservanttoCD.,withintenttodefraud,
made,orwasprivytomakingafalseentryinacashbookbelongingtothesaidCD.,hisemployer,
purportingtoshowthatonthesaiddaytwohundrednairahadbeenpaidtoL.M.
Fraudulentfalseaccounting,contrarytosection438oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof..,20,inthe
provinceof,beingclerkorservanttoCD.,withintenttodefraud,omittedorwasprivyto
omittingfromacashbookbelongingtothesaidCD.,hisemployer,amaterialparticular,thatistosay,
thereceiptonthesaiddayofonehundrednairafromH.S.
Arson,contrarytosection443oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe..dayof.,20.,intheprovinceof,wilfullyandunlawfully
setfiretoahouse.
A.B.,arson,contrarytosection443oftheCriminalCode.C.D.,accessorybeforethefacttosame
offence.
A.B.,onthedayof.,20,inthe
provinceof.,willfullyandunlawfullysetfiretoahouse.
C.D.,onthesameday,intheprovinceof..,.didcounselorprocurethesaidA.B.tocommit
thesameoffence.
Offenceundersection449,subsection(1),oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof,20,inthe
provinceof..,withintenttoobstructtheuseoftheNigerianRailway,
displacedasleeperbelongingtothesaidrailway.
Obstructingrailway,contrarytosection459oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe,dayof..,20,inthe
provinceof,byunlawfullydisplacingasleeperbelonging
totheNigerianRailway,causedanengineorvehicleinuseuponthesaidrailwaytobeobstructedinits
passage.
Damagingtrees,contrarytosection451oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe.dayof.,20.,inthe
provinceof,wilfullyandunlawfullydamagedacocoatreetheregrowing.
Forgery,contrarytosection467(2)oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthedayof..20,inthe
provinceof,forgedacertainwillpurportingtobethewillofC.D.
Utteringafalsedocument,contrarytosection468oftheCriminalCode.
A.B.,onthe..dayof.,20.,inthe
provinceof,knowinglyandfraudulentlyutteredacertainforgedwillpurportingtobethewillofC.D.
24.STATEMENTOFPREVIOUSCONVICTION
IndictmentRules1915,rule11.
Priortothecommissionofthesaidoffence,thesaidA.B.hasbeenpreviouslyconvictedofburglaryon
the.dayof..20.,
atthesessionsheldat
_____________________
FOURTHSCHEDULE
[AsamendedbyL.N.112of1964.]
Orderforsentenceofdeathtobecarriedout
Orderforexecution
WHEREASatthe..
heldatonthe.dayof..20..,one
..........................................................................................................................................wasduly
convictedofacapitaloffenceandwassentencedtodeath:
ANDWHEREASawrittenreportofthecasefromthetrialjudge,togetherwithsuchotherinformation
derivedfromtherecordofthecaseorelsewhere,havingbeendulytakenintoconsiderationata
meetingoftheAdvisoryCounciltheMinisterdesignatedforthepurposeinhisowndeliberatejudgment
thereafterhasdecidedtorecommendtomethatIshouldexercisemypowersinrelationtotheperson
soconvicted:
ANDWHEREASIhavedecidedinaccordancewiththeadviceofthesaidMinistertoconfirmthe
sentence:
NOWTHEREFOREIdoherebyorderthatthesaidsentencebecarriedoutaccordingtothelawandthat
thesaid.beexecutedat.ata
timeandbythepersonappointedbyyouandthatthebodyofthesaidbeburiedintheusual
placeforinternmentforcondemnedcriminalsexecutedattheplaceofexecution.
ANDFORSODOINGthisshallbeyourWarrant.
GIVENundermyhandandthePublicSealoftheFederalRepublicofNigeriathis...
dayof.20
...
President
TotheSheriffat..
Public
seal
_______________________________
ORDERFORCOMMUTATIONOFSENTENCE
WHEREASonthe..dayof20,.one
..
wasdulyconvictedofacapitaloffenceandwassentencedtodeathbythe
heldat.
ANDWHEREASawrittenreportofthecasefromthetrialJudgetogetherwithsuchotherinformation
derivedfromtherecordofthecaseorelsewhere,havingbeendulytakenintoconsiderationata
meetingoftheAdvisoryCounciltheMinisterdesignatedforthepurposeinhisowndeliberate
judgementthereafterhasdecidedtorecommendtomethatIshouldexercisemypowersinrelationto
thepersonsodulyconvicted:
ANDWHEREASIhavedecidedinaccordancewiththeadviceofthesaidMinistertocommutethe
sentence:
NOWTHEREFOREIdoherebycommutethesentenceanddirectthatthesaidsentencebenotcarried
out,andthatinlieuthereofthesaidbeimprisonedfor
..
GIVENundermyhandandthePublicSealoftheFederalRepublicofNigeriathis.
dayof.20
..
President
TotheSheriffat.
(fortransmissiontotheappropriateprisonsauthority).
___________________________
FIFTHSCHEDULE
Endorsementonwarrantofarrest
Whereasproofhasthisdaybeenmadebeforemethatthename.
Public
seal
subscribedtothewithinthewarrantisinthehandwritingofthewithinmentioned..
Iherebyauthorise.whobringsmethiswarrantandallother
personstowhomthiswarrantwasoriginallydirectedandalsoallpoliceofficersoftheto
executethiswarrantwithin..andbringthesaid..ifapprehendedwithin.
beforemeorbeforesomemagistrateofthe..tobedealtwithaccordingtolaw.
GIVENundermyhandthis...
.
Magistrate
Endorsementonwarrantofdistress
Whereasproofhasthisdaybeenmadebeforemethatthenameof
subscribedtothewithinwarrantisinthehandwritingofthewithinmentioned..
youare
herebycommandedforthwithtomakedistressofthegoodsofthedefendant(exceptthewearing
apparelandbeddingofhimandhisfamily,and,tothevalueoftennaira,thetoolsandimplementsofhis
trade);andifwithinthespaceoffivecleardaysnextafterthemakingofsuchdistressunlesshe
consentsinwritingtoanearliersale,thesumstatedinthewithinwarrant,togetherwiththereasonable
costsandchargesofthemakingandkeepingofthesaiddistress,benotpaid,thentosellthesaidgoods,
andpaythemoneyarisingtherefromtotheregistrarofthiscourt,andifnosuchdistresscanbefound,
tocertifythesametothiscourt.
DATEDthe,20..
..
Judge[orMagistrate]

_______________________________________
SUBSIDIARYLEGISLATION
____________________________
ListofSubsidiaryLegislation
1.TrialbyJuryOrder.
2.TheLiquorAct(CriminalProceedings)Direction.
3.CriminalProcedureRules.
4.FirstandSecondClassChiefs(Protection)Notice.
_______________________
TRIALBYJURYORDER
undersection335
[OrderinCouncil9of1946.L.N.1of1955.]
1.Shorttitle
ThisOrdermaybecitedastheTrialbyJuryOrder.
2.Offencespunishablewithdeathandtheoffenceofrapetobetriedbyajury
FromandafterthecomingintooperationofthisOrderanypersonorclassofpersonschargedwithany
offencepunishablewithdeathorwiththeoffenceofrapeshallbetriedwithajury.
3.Personsattemptingtocommit,aidingandabettingandaccessoriestooffencespunishablewith
deathandtheoffenceofrapetobetriedbyjury
Anypersonorclassofpersonschargedwithanyoffenceofattemptingtocommitorofaidingand
abettingorofbeingaccessorybeforeorafterthefacttoanyoffencepunishablewithdeathorthe
offenceofrapeshallbetriedwithajury.
_______________________________
THELIQUORACT(CRIMINALPROCEEDINGS)DIRECTION
undersection213(2)
1.ProceedingsforoffencesunderLiquorAct
Criminalproceedingsforanoffencepunishableundersection7oftheLiquorActmaybebroughtinthe
nameoftheDirectorofCustomsandExcise.
2.Shorttitle
ThisDirectionmaybecitedastheLiquorAct(CriminalProceedings)Direction.
___________________________
CRIMINALPROCEDURERULES
[F.&L.1958,VII,161.]
undersection464
1.Shorttitle
TheseRulesmaybecitedastheCriminalProcedureRules.
2.FirstSchedule
ThefeesprescribedintheFirstScheduleshall,unlessremittedorwaived,bepayablebytheparty
prosecutingaproceedingoraskingforaserviceasthereinprovidedinrespectoftheproceedingsor
servicestowhichtheyrelate.
3.Allowancestowitnesses
Allowancesmaybemadetowitnessesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftherulesrelatingtothecivil
procedureoftheHighCourtoramagistrate'scourtaccordingastheyaresummonedbeforetheHigh
Courtoramagistrate'scourt.
4.SecondSchedule
TheformsintheSecondScheduleheretoshall(togetherwiththetitleofproceedingsprescribedinForm
No.1intheFirstScheduletothisAct,wherethecasesoadmits)beusedinconnectionwiththe
proceedingsforwhichtheyareprovidedandmaybevariedtosuitthecircumstancesofthecasebutso
thatnovariationofsubstanceshallbemade.
5.Feesforappeals
Anypersongivingnoticeofappealfromamagistrate'sdecisionmayuponpaymentofthefees
prescribedintheMagistrates'Courts(Appeals)Rules,unlessthefeesareremittedorwaived,obtaina
copyoftherecordkeptbythemagistratepursuanttosection294ofthisAct.
6.Bindingoverwitness
(1)Thetimeatwhichamagistrateholdingapreliminaryinquiryshallbindoverawitnessas
requiredbysections313,316and329ofthisActshallbeassoonaspracticableafterhisdepositionhas
beensigned.
(2)Everyrecognisanceenteredintoundertheaforesaidsections313or316shallbeintheForm
GintheSecondScheduleheretoandshallbeacknowledgedbythepersonenteringintothe
recognisanceandsignedbythemagistratebeforewhomitisenteredinto.
[SecondSchedule.FormG.]
(3)Everyrecognisanceenteredundertheaforesaidsection329shallbeintheFormG1inthe
SecondScheduleheretoandshallbeacknowledgedbythepersonenteringintotherecognisanceand
signedbythemagistratebeforewhomitisenteredinto.
[SecondSchedule.FormG1.]
(4)IfafteranypersonisboundbyarecognisanceinFormGtoattendatanytimeasawitnessin
acriminaltrialintheHighCourtthemagistratedeterminesnottocommittheaccusedfortrial,notice
shallbegiventothepersonsoboundthatheisnolongerboundbyhisrecognisance.Suchnoticeshall
beinFormHintheSecondSchedulehereto.
(5)Wherethemagistratehasdirectedthatanywitnesswhohasenteredintoarecognisancein
FormG,shallbetreatedashavingbeenboundoverconditionallyasprovidedintheaforesaidsection
329,noticeshallbegiventothewitnessinFormJintheSecondSchedulehereto.
[SecondSchedule.FormH.]
(6)Anoticegivenunderthisruleshallbeinwritingandsignedbythemagistrateholdingthe
preliminaryinquiry,andshallbeservedbydeliveringittothepersontowhomitisdirectedorbyleaving
itforhimwithsomepersonattheaddressgivenintherecognisanceacknowledgedbytheperson
boundthereby.
7.Noticetowitnessboundoverconditionally
(1)Whereinpursuanceofsection329ofthisActawitnesshasbeen,oristreatedashaving
been,boundoverconditionallyuponnoticebeinggiventohimthathewillberequiredtogiveevidence
atthetrialofapersoncommittedfortrial,theniftheprosecutororthepersoncommittedfortrialgives
noticeasprovidedbysubsection(2)ofsection329thathedesiresthewitnesstoattendatthetrial,the
registrarofthemagistrate'scourtortheregistraroftheHighCourt,asthecasemaybe,shallforthwith
givenoticeinwritingtothewitnessinFormKintheSecondScheduleheretothatheisrequiredsoto
attendinpursuanceofhisrecognisanceandthedateonwhichheisrequiredtoattendshallbespecified
insuchnoticeorshallbenotifiedthereafter.
SecondSchedule.FormK.]
(2)Anoticegivenundertheprecedingparagraphofthisruleshallbeservedbydeliveringitto
thepersontowhomitisdirectedorbyleavingitforhimwithsomepersonattheaddressgivenbythe
personfirstmentionedintherecognisanceacknowledgedbyhim:
Providedthatiftimedoesnotpermitthenoticetobeservedinthatmanner,theregistrarmay
notifythewitnessinsuchmannerasmaybemostexpedientinthecircumstances.
(3)Wherearegistrargivesnoticetoawitnessundertheprecedingprovisionsofthisruleatthe
instanceoftheprosecutor,theregistrarshallinformthepersoncommittedfortrialthatsuchnoticehas
beengiven;and,whenhegivesnoticeasaforesaidattheinstanceofthepersoncommittedfortrial,he
shallinformtheprosecutoraccordingly.
8.Statementshowingwitnessesconditionallyboundover
(1)Astatementcontainingthenames,addresses,andoccupationsofanywitnesseswhohave
been,oraretreatedashavingbeen,boundoverconditionallytoattendthetrialshallbetransmittedby
themagistratetotheregistraroftheHighCourtwiththedepositionsandacopyofsuchstatementshall
beretainedbythemagistrate.
(2)Inanysuchstatement,themagistrateshalldistinguishthenamesofthewitnesses,ifany,to
whomanoticeinFormKintheSecondScheduletotheseRuleshasbeenissued.
9.Notificationofdateoftrial
ApersonwhoisboundbyrecognisancetoattendasawitnessatacriminaltrialintheHighCourtofa
Statemaybenotifiedbyanoticeorasubpoenaofthedateonwhichheisrequiredtoattend.
_______________________
FIRSTSCHEDULE
Allfees,theappropriationofwhichisnotspecified,aretobepaidtotheregistrarandaccountedforby
himtotheAccountantGeneral.
Nofeesaretobetakeninrespectofanyproceedingwheresuchfeeswouldbepayablebyany
governmentdepartmentorlocalgovernmentcouncil:
ProvidedhoweverthatwhenanypersonisorderedtopaythecostsoftheStateorofany
governmentdepartmentorlocalgovernmentcouncilinanycase,allfeeswhichwouldhavebeen
payablebutfortheprovisionsofthisruleshallbetakenaspaidandshallberecoverablefromsuch
person.
Feesmaybewaivedorremittedbythecourtonthegroundofthepovertyoftheperson
chargeabletherewithwhereitappearsthattherearesubstantialgroundsforhistakingtheproceeding
oraskingfortheservicetoberendered:
Providedhoweverthatthecourtmay,wherethecourtsothinksfit,orderanypartytopayany
feessowaivedorremitted.
Feespayable N k
1.Oneverysummons(toincludehearingfee). 1 00
2.Oneverywarranttoarrest(unlessspeciallydirectedbythecourttobeissued)
. 1 00
3.Onsearchwarrant..... 1 00
4.Onwarrantofdistress.. 1 00
5.Oneverysubpoena(unlessspeciallydirectedbythecourttobeissued) . 25
6.Onwarrantforprisonertogiveevidence 50
7.Forsearchingthearchives,foreachperiodofsixmonthsorpartthereof. 25
8.Forpreparingacopywhereauthorised:perfolioof72words 04
9.Serviceofanydocument:
Initialfee............................................................................................................. 15
Plusmileagefee
(a) IfwithinanEnglishmilefromthecourt. 15

(b) Ifbeyondonemilebutnotbeyondfive
(i) forthefirstmile.. 15

(ii) foreverysubsequentmileorpartthereof
(oneway).. .07

(c) Ifbeyondfivemiles:perdayorpartthereofofthetimeneededfor
travelling 40

NOTES.Whereanofficerservesmorethanonedocumentorwritonthesamerouteonemileagerate
onlyistobecharged,andapportioneduponthedocumentsorwrits.
Wherethesheriff,deputysherifforaregistrarexecutesanydutyinpersonbydirectionofthecourthe
isentitled,insteadofmileagefees,tohisactualexpensesandsuchtravellingallowanceasthecourtmay
allow.
Whenaserviceisrenderedbyapersonwhoisnotanofficerofthecourtorintheserviceofthe
Governmentorofalocalgovernmentcouncilorcustomarycourtthecourtmaydirectthatthefeepaid
forsuchservicebepaidoutofrevenuetothepersonwhohasrenderedtheservices.
Inadditiontotheabovefees,thepartyonwhosebehalfsuchservicesaretobeperformedshallbe
liabletopaysuchexpensesoftransportasthecourtmaythinkreasonable.Fortheperformingofany
otherdutynothereinexpresslyprovidedfor,theofficermayreceivesuchfeeasthecourtmayallow.
_________________________________
SECONDSCHEDULE
[Rule4.]
FORMA
Recognisance
(Titleofproceedings)
Bythisrecognisancetheundersignedprincipalparty[andsurety(orsureties)]acknowledgeshimselfror
acknowledgethemselves1boundtoforfeittotheStatethesumofN.....................................k,
subjectonlytothiscondition,thatif[hereinserttheconditionoftherecognisance]thenthis
recognisanceshallbetherebydischarged.
................................................PrincipalParty
...................................................................Sureties
Takenbeforemeat.thisdayof.20.
___________________
FORMB
Warranttobringaprisonerbeforethecourt
TotheKeeperofthePrisonat
Whereas............................................................................................................................................
..aprisonerundercustodyisrequiredtobeproducedbeforethecourt:
Youareherebycommandedtoproducethesaidprisonerbeforethecourtat...
onthedayof..,20..,
ateight0'clockintheforenoon.
Issuedat..onthe..dayof..20..,
CourtFees:
Warrant
Hearing
Total

Judge[orMagistrate]
___________________
FORMC
Warrantremittingdefendanttoanothercourt
To
andtotheSuperintendentofthePrison.
A.B...........,hereinaftercalledthedefendant,beingbroughtbeforetheabovecourt
chargedwithhavingcommittedthefollowingoffencewithintheMagisterialDistrictof.
namely,...
(statetheoffence)
Youareherebycommandedtoreceiveanddetainthedefendantandtocarryhimanddeliverhim
uptothe.
courtwithoutanydelay.
DATEDthe.dayof...20.
.
Magistrate
FORMD
SearchWarrant
IntheMagistrate'sCourt..oftheMagisterialDistrict.
To..
and..
Whereasinformationonoathandinwritinghasthisdaybeenmadethatthereisreasonableground.
forbelievingthatthereisin(Statetheplacetobesearchedandstate
whatistobesearchedforinthetermsof(a),(b)or(c)ofsection107oftheCriminalProcedureAct).
YouareherebycommandedinthenameoftheState,withproperassistance,toentertheabove
named(statetheplacetobesearched)andtherediligentlysearchforthethingsaforesaidandifthe
sameoranypartthereofarefoundonsearch,tobringthethingssofound,andalsothesaid(namethe
occupieroftheplacetobesearched)beforethiscourttobedealtwithaccordingtolaw.
Thiswarrantshallbeexecutedbetweenthehoursoffiveo'clockintheforenoonandeight0'clockat
night*andmayalsobeexecutedatanyhourduringdayornight.
Issuedat.this.dayof..20.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
Fees:
*Strikeoutifnotauthorised.
_______________________
FORME
Warranttarrestapersonfailingtoappearpursuanttorecognisance
To.
And..Whereas................................................................................
...of.
isboundbyrecognisancetoappearbeforethiscourton..
.........................................................................................(statewhen)buthasfailedsotoappear:
Youareherebycommandedtoarrestthesaid.
andbringhimbeforemeatwithoutdelay
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
FORMF
Warranttocarryoutsentence
To.andtotheSuperintendentofPrison:
Thedefendantwasonthe.dayof..,20.,
sentencedasfollows
NO. Offence Term,fine,compensation,
Costsorstrokes
Termindefault

Thedefendanthasmadedefaultinpaymentoftheabovesum[orsums,or1stand2ndabovenamed
sums,orasthecasemaybe.]
Theimprisonmentistocommenceforthwith[upontheexpirationofanyothertermofimprisonment
whichthedefendantmaybenowserving].
Thetermsaretobeconcurrent[orconsecutive,orconcurrentastothe.
and..andconsecutiveasto,orasthecasemaybe.]
[Theimprisonmentistobewithouthardlabour.]
Youareherebycommandedtotakethesaiddefendant[andimprisonhim][andcausehimtobecaned]
inaccordancewiththeabovesentenceandthelaw.
DATEDthe.dayof20.
..
Judge[orMagistrate]
FORMG
Recognisanceofwitness
IntheMagistrate'sCourtof..
C.D.of.
(addressandoccupationorprofession).
..
acknowledgesthathe/sheowestotheFederalGovernmentthesumof
paymentthereoftobeenforcedagainsthim/herbydueprocessoflawifhe/shefailstocomplywiththe
conditionsendorsedhereon.
SignatureofC.D.
Takenbeforemethisdayof..20

Magistrate
(Endorsement)
Conditions
TheconditionofthisrecognisanceisthatwhereasA.B.(hereinaftercalledtheaccused)wasthisday
chargedbeforeme(nameofMagistrate),theabovementionedMagistrate,with(stateshortly
particularsofoffence):
IfthereforethesaidC.D.appearsattheHighCourtoftheStateonadatetobenotifiedtohim/herlater
andtheregivesevidenceuponthetrialofanyinformationagainsttheaccusedandinallrespects
complieswiththerequirementsofanynoticewhichhe/shemaysubsequentlyreceiverelatingtothis
recognisance,thenthisrecognisanceshallbevoidbutotherwiseshallremaininfullforce.
______________________________________

FORMG1
Recognisanceofwitnessconditionallyboundover
IntheMagistrate'sCourtof.
C.D.of
(addressandoccupationorprofession).
..
acknowledgesthathe/sheowestotheFederalGovernmentthesumof..
paymentthereoftobeenforcedagainsthim/herbydueprocessoflawifhe/shefailstocomplywiththe
conditionsendorsedhereonafterreceivingnoticethathe/shewillberequiredtogiveevidenceatthe
trialoftheaccusedAB.
SignatureofC.D...
Takenbeforemethisdayof.20.
..
Magistrate
(Endorsement)Conditions
WhereasAB.(hereinaftercalledtheaccused)wasthisdaychargedbeforeme(nameofMagistrate),the
abovementionedMagistrate,with(stateshortlyparticularsofoffence):and
WhereasC.D.hasbeeninformedthathe/sheisonlyconditionallyboundovertogiveevidenceatthe
trialofAB.butthat,afterreceivinganoticethathe/shewillberequiredtogiveevidenceatthesaid
trial,he/shewillthenbefirmlyboundbythefollowingconditions:
IfthereforethesaidC.D.appearsattheHighCourtofStateonadatetobe
notifiedtohim/herlaterandtheregivesevidenceuponthetrialofanyinformationagainsttheaccused
andinallrespectscomplieswiththerequirementsofanynoticewhichhe/shemaysubsequentlyreceive
relatingtothisrecognisance,thenthisrecognisanceshallbevoidbutotherwiseshallremaininfull
force.
________________________
FORMH
Noticetowitnessthataccusedhasnotbeencommittedfortrial
IntheMagistrate'sCourtof.....................................
WhereasyouC.D.of.
wereon..thedayof..,20..
boundbyarecognisanceinthesumof
toappearonadatetobenotifiedtoyouattheHighCourtof.
StateandgiveevidenceuponthetrialofAB.:
ThisistogiveyounoticethattheMagistratehasdeterminednottocommitthesaidAB.fortrial
andthatconsequentlyyouwillnotberequiredtoappearattheHighCourtforthepurposeaforesaid.
DATEDthis.dayof..20..

Magistrate
_______________________
FORMJ
Noticetowitnessboundoverthatheistobetreatedashavingbeenboundoverconditionally
WhereasyouC.D.of
.
wereonthedayof..,20.,
boundbyarecognisanceinthesumof
toappearattheHighCourtofStateonadatetobenotified
toyouandtheregiveevidenceuponthetrialofA.B.:
AndwhereastheMagistratehassincecommittedthesaidA.B.fortrialattheHighCourtof.....
...............................................................Stateandhasdirectedthatyouaretobetreatedashaving
beenboundovertoattendthetrialconditionallyuponnoticebeinggiventoyou:
Thisistogiveyounoticethatyouarenotboundbytherecognisanceenteredintobyyouuntiland
unlessyousubsequentlyreceivenoticethatyouwillberequiredtogiveevidenceatthetrialofthe
accusedA.B.
DATEDthis..dayof20...
..
Magistrate
___________________________
FORMK
IntheMagistrate'sCourtof.
IntheHighCourt.
Noticetowitnessboundover,ortreatedasboundover,conditionally
WhereasyouC.D.of..
wereonthedayof.20..
boundoverconditionallyinthesumof..toappearuponnotice
beinggiventoyoutogiveevidenceuponthetrialofA.B.(or,whereasyouC.D.weregivennotice,after
enteringintoarecognisancetogiveevidenceuponthetrialofA.B.,thatyouwouldnotbeboundby
suchrecognisanceuntilandunlessyousubsequentlyreceivednoticethatyouwillberequiredtogive
evidenceatthetrialofA.B.):
thisistogiveyounoticethatyouarerequiredtoappearandgiveevidenceattheHighCourtof
.
........................................StateatthetrialofA.B.onthe
(oronadatetobesubsequentlynotified)andthatunlessyoudosothesaidrecognisancewillbe
forthwithenforcedagainstyou.
DATEDthis.dayof20...
....
RegistrarofMagistrate'sCourttor
RegistraroftheHighCourt
______________________________
FIRSTANDSECONDCLASSCHIEFS(PROTECTION)NOTICE
[F.&L.1958,VII,161.]
undersection378
1.ProtectionofFirstandSecondClassChiefs
AllFirstandSecondClassChiefsshallbeentitledtotheprotectionofsection378oftheCriminalCode.
2.Shorttitle
ThisNoticemaybecitedastheFirstandSecondClassChiefs(Protection)Notice.

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