The Impact of Retracted Confessional Statements in Criminal Trials in Nigeria: An Analytical Study

Abstract

The admissibility and weight of confessional statements in criminal trials have been a contentious issue in Nigeria's legal landscape. This paper examines the effect of retracted confessional statements in Nigerian criminal trials, focusing on the legal principles, judicial precedents, and implications for justice. Through a comprehensive review of statutory provisions, case law, and scholarly literature, this study delves into the procedural and substantive considerations surrounding the admission and subsequent retraction of confessions. Drawing on both doctrinal and empirical analysis, the paper elucidates the factors influencing the admissibility of confessional statements, including voluntariness, legality of interrogation methods, and the right to legal counsel. It evaluates the divergent approaches adopted by Nigerian courts in assessing the reliability and credibility of retracted confessions, highlighting inconsistencies and lacunae in the jurisprudence. Furthermore, this study explores the psychological, social, and institutional factors that contribute to the phenomenon of confession retractions, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of suspects within Nigeria's criminal justice system. It examines the role of coercion, duress, and inducements in obtaining confessions, as well as the implications of false confessions on wrongful convictions and the integrity of the legal process. In conclusion, the paper offers recommendations for legal reforms, procedural safeguards, and judicial guidelines aimed at enhancing the fairness, transparency, and reliability of criminal trials involving confessional evidence in Nigeria. By addressing the complexities inherent in the treatment of retracted confessions, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of law, psychology, and justice in the Nigerian context.