REFLECTIONS ON PROVOCATION AS SPECIE OF DEFENCE TO CRIMINAL LIABILITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the defence of provocation in Nigerian criminal law, exploring its application, limitations, and implications for criminal liability. Provocation is a partial defence that can reduce liability from murder to manslaughter, based on the idea that a person who kills in response to provocation may not have the same level of culpability as one who kills without justification.  By adopting the doctrinal method of legal research, the paper analyses the Nigerian Penal Code and Criminal Code, highlighting the requirements for a successful provocation defence, including the nature of the provocation, the loss of self-control, and the proportionality of the response. It also discusses relevant case law and judicial interpretations, illustrating the challenges in applying this defence in practice. It concludes by arguing for a nuanced approach to provocation, balancing the need to acknowledge human frailty with the imperative of protecting human life. Finally, the paper recommend among other things, reforms to clarify and standardize the application of provocation, ensuring fairness and consistency in the administration of justice.