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This book examined legal causation in homicide cases in Nigeria with particular focus on the "year and a day rule", "omission as actus reus" and the "last seen doctrine". The book observed that the year and a day rule had been abolished in England from where it originated and accordingly recommended for its abolition in Nigeria. It was also observed that though a crime could be committed by omission, such a rule or principle should be sparingly applied in homicide cases. The rigid and sacrosanct manner in which the Nigerian courts apply the last seen doctrine was frowned at for placing a "reverse burden" on persons accused of the offence of murder in violation of their constitutional rights of presumption of innocence and silence in the face of criminal allegations.
About the author
Dr Ngozi Alili studied at O.A.U, Ile-Ife where he obtained his LL.B and LL.M degrees in 1990 and 1995 respectively.He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 and obtained Ph.D in 2015 from the faculty of Law, K.S.U, Anyigba where he is currently serving as Senior Lecturer having begun his teaching career in 1997 at the Nigerian Law School.
