The relevance of the defence of alibi in criminal trials in Nigeria

Abstract

Criminal trials in Nigeria usually require that the defendant will raise a defence on his behalf. There are several of such defences the defendant can raise. The defence of alibi is one of such defence. It is pertinent to point out that the defence of alibi is a unique defence. Not only is it one which does not accept of another form of defence, it also requires the burden of proof to shift from the prosecution to the defendant. It is this unique defence that we seek to analyse in this work. The work will take a look at the definition, nature and proof of this defence and finally end with a conclusion as to the requirements of such defence.

Keywords: Alibi, Defence of, Criminal trials, Nigeria