Alibi” is a Latin word which means “elsewhere”. When an accused person raises the defence of alibi, he is telling the court that he was not at the scene of crime. In other words, that he was at a named place or location at the time the offence for which he is charged was committed and could not have been at the scene of crime at the time the offence was committed. (P. 375, paras. D-E).
The fundamental object (purpose) necessitating the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, is to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of criminal institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of the rights and interests of the suspect, the defendant, and the victim. Also, the courts, law enforcement agencies and other authorities or persons involved in the Criminal Justice Administration shall ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act for the realization of its purposes. (P. 470, paras. C-F).
C.O.P. V. ABDULLAHI (2024) 8 NWLR (PT. 1940) 227 SC
ON INGREDIENTS OF DEFENCE OF ACCIDENT AND WHEN WILL AVAIL ACCUSED PERSON
For the defence of accident to avail an accused person, he must establish that:-
(a)The act was by accident.
(b) There was no criminal intention or knowledge.
(c) The act was done in the course of doing a lawful act in a lawful manner by a lawful means and with proper care and caution.
