AN EXAMINATION OF THE PLEA OF SELF DEFENCE IN NIGERIAN MARITICIDE CASES

Abstract

Mariticide, defined as the act of a wife killing her husband, is frequently associated with prolonged domestic abuse, thereby making self-defence a crucial yet intricate legal defence in such instances. This study explored the intersection of mariticide and self-defence within the Nigerian legal context, evaluating the degree to which current laws safeguard women who respond to sustained violence. The study employed a mixed-method approach that included the perspectives of judges, prosecutors, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), and interviews with convicted women. The study uncovered that although legal provisions for self-defence are in place, their implementation is impeded by stringent legal standards, societal prejudices, and inconsistent judicial interpretations. The study concluded that Nigeria's legal framework urgently needs reform to integrate concepts such as Battered Woman Syndrome and cumulative provocation, along with enhanced legal awareness and supportive policy measures to ensure more equitable outcomes for survivors of domestic violence.