A degree of compulsion which is consistent with a high degree of probability. It simply means establishing the guilt of the accused person with compelling and conclusive evidence. STATE (2015) LPELR-25986(SC), the Supreme Court described proof beyond reasonable doubt in the following words – “Proof beyond reasonable doubt does not mean proof beyond all doubt, or all shadow of doubt. This position has been followed by a plethora of Nigerian cases. If the evidence is so strong against a man as to leave only a remote possibility in his favour which can be dismissed with the sentence, of course, it is possible but not in the least probable the case is proved beyond a reasonable doubt.” The law would fail to protect the community if it admitted fanciful possibilities to deflect the course of justice. Proof beyond reasonable doubt does not mean proof beyond the shadow of doubt. A pertinent question would be what amounts to proof beyond reasonable doubt? In the case of Miller v Minister of Pensions (1947) 2 All ER 372, Lord Denning said on the nature of proof beyond reasonable doubt, said that It need not reach certainty, but it must carry a high degree of probability. Synopsis – The standard of proof in criminal cases is now established to be proof beyond reasonable doubt and not proof beyond every shadow of doubt. Relevant Sections of the Evidence Act – Section 135 of the Evidence Act 2011 Ingredients of the offence of Armed Robbery.
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