whereas minor discrepancies depend on the person's astuteness and
capacity for observing meticulous detail".
Reference is also made to the Cases of AKPAN V. STATE (1991) 3 NWLR
(PT. 182) 646 SC, DAGGAYA V. STATE (2006) 7 NWLR (PT. 980) 637 SC
AND in OCHEMAJE V STATE (2008) 15 NWLR (PT. 109) 57, where in
Tobi, JSC, explained - Contradictions definitely arise in evidence of
witnesses in Court. That explains the human nature and the humanity in
witnesses. Although witnesses see and watch the same event, they may
narrate it from different angles, in their individual peculiar focus,
perspective or slant. This does not necessarily mean that the event they are
narrating did not take place. It only means most of the time that the event
took place, but what led to the event was given different interpretations,
arising from the senses of sight and mind dictated by their impressions and
idiosyncrasies. That is why the law says that contradictions, which are not
material or substantial will go to no issue. The Main Interest of the Court, is
that the witnesses are in Union or Unison as to the happening of the event
but gave different versions in respect of the peripheral surrounding the
event”.
In the Cases of THE STATE VS AZEEZ & ORS (2008) 8 SCM 175; (2008) 4
SC 188; DIBIE & 2 ORS VS THE STATE (2007) 7 SCM 101; (2007) 3 SC
(PT.1) 176; STEPHEN JOHN & ANOR VS THE STATE (2011) 12 (PT.2)
SCM 238, it was severally held as Trite Law that for inconsistency or
contradiction in evidence to negatively affect its veracity, such inconsistency
and contradiction must be materially significant as to affect negatively the
Overall Case Of The Prosecution, otherwise such insignificant
inconsistency or contradiction will be discountenanced by the Court. See
also GALADIMA V. STATE (2017) LPELR-43469 (SC), PER ARIWOOLA,
J.S.C (PP. 29-30, PARA. E)
The Contentions in regard to Contradictions will be situated when applicable
in the determination of this Case.
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