Wordsman Esq.

⚖️ Barrister & Solicitor
Litigation • Corporate Law • Legal Commentary
Helping people understand the law beyond the courtroom.

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

⚖️ LEGAL GIST

One Stone... One Blow... One Conviction.

The Story of Saleh v. State (2026) 10 NWLR (Pt. 2049) ___, Supreme Court.

It all began with what appeared to be an ordinary confrontation.

On that fateful day in Plateau State, Sunday Saleh encountered a man known as Driver Maigodi.

Nobody imagined that within moments, one stone would end a life... and eventually send another man to the Supreme Court.

According to the prosecution, Saleh picked up a stone and struck Driver Maigodi on the head. The victim collapsed instantly, bleeding profusely. Despite efforts to save him, he died from the injuries.

When the police arrested Saleh, he made a confessional statement admitting that he hit the deceased with the stone. The police also recovered the stone allegedly used in the attack and tendered it during the trial.

When the case got to court, something interesting happened.

Saleh's lawyer did not object when the confessional statement was tendered in evidence.

Later, during his defence, Saleh denied making the confession and argued that he never intended to kill the deceased.

The trial court rejected his defence.

He was convicted of culpable homicide punishable with death and sentenced accordingly.

The Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction.

Still dissatisfied, he approached the Supreme Court.

Before the apex court, he argued that merely striking someone with a stone did not automatically prove an intention to kill. He also contended that the lower courts placed undue reliance on his alleged confession.

The Supreme Court was not persuaded.

The Justices held that intention is rarely proved by direct evidence. Instead, the law allows the court to infer intention from a person's conduct and the surrounding circumstances.

The Court reasoned that when a person deliberately strikes another on the head—a delicate and vital part of the human body—with a stone capable of causing serious injury, the natural consequence is grievous harm or death.

In law, every person is presumed to intend the natural consequences of his voluntary acts.

The Court also emphasized another important principle.

If an accused person believes a confessional statement was improperly obtained or was never made, the proper time to challenge it is when the prosecution seeks to tender it in evidence.

Once it is admitted without objection, it becomes part of the evidence before the court, and a later denial may carry little or no weight.

The Supreme Court further reaffirmed the settled position that a voluntary, direct and positive confessional statement is sufficient to ground a conviction, provided the court is satisfied that it is true.

Finding no reason to disturb the concurrent findings of the two lower courts, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the conviction.

⚖️ What Can the Average Nigerian Learn?

The law does not always require a person to say, "I intended to kill." Your actions may speak louder than your words.

If you intentionally use a dangerous object on a vulnerable part of another person's body, the court may infer that you intended the likely consequences of your act.

The case also reminds lawyers and litigants that procedure matters. Failing to object to crucial evidence at the proper time can significantly weaken your case.

One careless act can change two lives forever—one ends in the grave, the other in prison.

Wordsman Esq. ⚖️

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[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

Messages like this are fundamentally flawed.

God gave us brain to think so we could give him rest.

Marriage is a contract not a bondage for life.

You can't ask a partner to remain in a marriage which has broken down irretrievably and the other partner has become irresponsible.

The Church lost Osinachi to messages like this.

Please let's remain guided it is not a do or die affair

[Omotayo Olokede @Iamkolotayo]

This has been my stance on Divorce as a Christian.

I subscribe to separation and until it is fixed, you can choose not to go back.

What you will not do is to re-marry, because according to the Bible, it is termed Adultery.

Except if the reason was Sexual Immorality.

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

Whether you agree with homosexuality or not, one principle of law remains constant: no one has the right to take another person's life.

In Nigeria, certain same-sex conduct is criminalised, but the punishment is not mob justice or murder. The Constitution protects every person's right to life, and only a court of competent jurisdiction can determine criminal liability.

If someone is suspected of committing an offence, report it to the appropriate authorities. Assaulting or killing them is a separate and far more serious crime that can attract prosecution for murder.

The rule of law means justice is delivered by the courts—not by the crowd.

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

This story reminds me of a client whose husband sadly passed away just a few weeks after their wedding.

She was with him in the hospital until he took his last breath. Shortly afterwards, she called me for legal guidance. My first question was, "Has anyone else been informed?" She said no.

I immediately advised her to return home, gather all important legal documents relating to her husband's assets, and ensure they were kept in a safe place. I also advised her to preserve the assets from being tampered with pending the proper legal process.

Thankfully, her husband owned four vehicles. She moved them to a secure location with the help of trusted persons and safely kept the title documents to two landed properties.

That advice proved invaluable. Within a week of her husband's death, she was asked to leave the matrimonial home. A month later, her husband's nightclub had been sold. Unknown to those trying to take over his estate, the key documents and several assets had already been preserved, making it easier to protect her legal rights.

The lesson is not that widows should fight their in-laws. The lesson is that they should act wisely and seek legal advice immediately after the death of a spouse.

Grief is painful, but protecting the estate of the deceased is equally important. The law is better able to protect what has been preserved than what has already been dissipated.

[One Big Soldier @One_Big_Soldier]

Married in 2025 and seeking to file for divorce in August 2026, 8 months later.

What went wrong?
Is it not to hasty a decision?
What do i know?

Please read to the last screenshot.

Yours Legally

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

This story reminds me of a client whose husband sadly passed away just a few weeks after their wedding.

She was with him in the hospital until he took his last breath. Shortly afterwards, she called me for legal guidance. My first question was, "Has anyone else been informed?" She said no.

I immediately advised her to return home, gather all important legal documents relating to her husband's assets, and ensure they were kept in a safe place. I also advised her to preserve the assets from being tampered with pending the proper legal process.

Thankfully, her husband owned four vehicles. She moved them to a secure location with the help of trusted persons and safely kept the title documents to two landed properties.

That advice proved invaluable. Within a week of her husband's death, she was asked to leave the matrimonial home. A month later, her husband's nightclub had been sold. Unknown to those trying to take over his estate, the key documents and several assets had already been preserved, making it easier to protect her legal rights.

The lesson is not that widows should fight their in-laws. The lesson is that they should act wisely and seek legal advice immediately after the death of a spouse.

Grief is painful, but protecting the estate of the deceased is equally important. The law is better able to protect what has been preserved than what has already been dissipated.

#BBNaija

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

HER HUSBAND DIED JUST 8 DAYS AGO. 💔

Tosin, 28 year old residing at No 8 Jumofak Igbo Oluwo Estate Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu Lagos, lost her legally married husband on 20th July, 2026. Instead of being allowed to grieve in peace, her world has been turned upside down by late husband family.

Her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and his wife left their house and moved into the home of her late husband and ordered the young widow to pack all her personal belongings, along with those of her two young sons, into just one room inside the house.

To make matters worse, some of her late husband's properties have reportedly already been shared, while plans are underway to sell his car.

This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children. She is appealing to the Lagos State Government, especially the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency @LagosDSVA to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession, and any further actions that may deprive her children of their late father's inheritance.

No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter, and justice just days after losing her husband.

Harrison Gwamnishu

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

I heard the heartbreaking story of a young woman who reportedly traveled to Asaba to meet a content creator after expressing interest in learning content creation. It is alleged that she was brutally raped, and she later died by suicide.

If these reports are accurate, this is a devastating tragedy that underscores the need for greater safety, accountability, and protection for young people pursuing opportunities. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

Suspect is now in custody. Distinguished colleague Israel Joe is following up closely.

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

Live at High Court 4, Asaba, alongside Favour Ajuebor Esq for the hearing of the #Justice4Oghenemine case. Oghenemine was allegedly extrajudicially killed by Usman Nuhu. #OfficerAbeg

It was also a pleasure to meet Pascal Ogugbara Esq., a distinguished legal practitioner based in Ogun State.

#EndPoliceBrutality

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

THIS IS UNFAIR
MANY NIGERIANS ARE SLEEPING HERE ⬇️⬇️

It is unfair that Nigerians travelling through Ekpoma to Auchi, Edo State, are forced to spend days stranded on the road because of the Federal Government's failure to rehabilitate this critical highway.

The stretch from Ewu Monastery to Aviele has become almost impassable. Many motorists and passengers have reportedly been left sleeping on the road for days due to the terrible condition of the highway.

This is not just a road serving Edo State, it is a major gateway connecting the South-South, South-East, and parts of the North. Thousands of commuters, businesses, transporters, farmers, traders, and security agencies depend on this route daily. Its deplorable state is causing economic losses, delays in the movement of goods and services, security risks, and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.

Yesterday, Favour Ajuebor esq and myself had to use motorcycle from Agbede to Auchi.

I respectfully appeal to President @officialABAT and the Honourable Minister of Works, @DaveUmahi , to urgently intervene and fix this critical federal road. Nigerians deserve safe and motorable roads, not endless suffering

Harrison Gwamnishu

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@HarrisonBbi18 Say me hello to my learned friend Favour Ajeubor Esq, he was my class mate way back from Madonna University, he is a great guy. So happy seeing him again

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

Dear @Princemoye1

The Drivers you impounded their vehicle last night just got home now. They did nothing. No crime committed.

The InspectorGeneralofPolice @TunjiDisu1 should be aware of the level of Impunity going on.

Even the CP has no control over MUYIWA. Ire oooo

[Harrison Gwamnishu @HarrisonBbi18]

HER HUSBAND DIED JUST 8 DAYS AGO. 💔

Tosin, 28 year old residing at No 8 Jumofak Igbo Oluwo Estate Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu Lagos, lost her legally married husband on 20th July, 2026. Instead of being allowed to grieve in peace, her world has been turned upside down by late husband family.

Her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and his wife left their house and moved into the home of her late husband and ordered the young widow to pack all her personal belongings, along with those of her two young sons, into just one room inside the house.

To make matters worse, some of her late husband's properties have reportedly already been shared, while plans are underway to sell his car.

This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children. She is appealing to the Lagos State Government, especially the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency @LagosDSVA to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession, and any further actions that may deprive her children of their late father's inheritance.

No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter, and justice just days after losing her husband.

Harrison Gwamnishu

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@ZarmaSuleiman @MR__Sulaiman1 Until you give it a try I won't waste my time on you bro

[Kim Harrison @KimHarrisongm]

@cr0ssdaniel @wordsmans_ @MR__Sulaiman1 How is he stupid pls? He just stated a fact an all you can come up with is insults, that's a retard behavior

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@KimHarrisongm @cr0ssdaniel @MR__Sulaiman1 🤣🤣my dear you know we excuse a whole lot of retarded behaviour for norms in our society this days. It's well

[Bitto Keren K Esq. @KerenKBitto]

☕️Night Cup Blend☕️
•Milk Thistle Seeds

•Ashwaghanda Powder

•Slippery Elm Powder

•Star Anise

[Dammy Esquire., @Dammi_Esq]

A Lady should bath twice a Day.

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@instablog9ja Seems the Governor's waist is getting rusty so bro is trying to do so work on it

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@Nativechieff @KerenKBitto 🤣you cannot write off a union between you both counsel moreover the man is the Head of the family so she will submit to your authority while in court you submit to her as your learned senior colleagues that way there is check and balance

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

I will recommend @KerenKBitto she is smart and you both can build a legal powerhouse together

[Native Chief @Nativechieff]

Ending up with a female lawyer? Starting to like that idea

[Wordsman Esq. @wordsmans_]

@DOlusegun Lateef has taken the fight a step further