Mental laws in Nigeria: the case of the State Versus I. A.

ABSTRACT

The article focuses on providing medico-legal education for psychiatrists in the area of mental laws in Nigeria. This was done through the presentation of a recently concluded case of The State Versus I.A in which the author appeared in court to give evidence. A summary of the procedure before trial, the briefs of the prosecution and the defence, and the judgement were given. Some relevant sections of the Penal Code were quoted. Finally, salient points in the trial were also discussed. It was concluded that a good understanding of the mental laws by psychiatrists and medical personnel would lead to better presentation of evidence in court. Furthermore, a conference of stakeholders in mental health is also advocated.