Effect of Oral Retraction of Confessional Statement during Trial

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, is reviewing a death sentence handed down to Ramoni Animashaun for conspiracy and armed robbery. The appellant was convicted by the High Court of Ogun State and later affirmed by the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division. The case hinges on the appellant's contention that the prosecution failed to sufficiently link him to the crime.

At the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim, Raheem Lateef (PW1), and evidence such as a locally made pistol and cartridge. The trial court found the appellant guilty on both counts and imposed the death penalty on May 24, 2017. The conviction was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal on June 25, 2020.

In his appeal to the Supreme Court, the appellant argues that the evidence presented was insufficient for conviction. He specifically challenges the reliance on the eyewitness testimony of PW1 and his alleged confessional statement. The core of his argument is that his identity as one of the perpetrators was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt, questioning whether the lower courts were right to affirm his conviction and sentence.