UDO UDOMA, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment):. The appellants was convicted in the High Court of the South Eastern State, Calabar, by Kooffreh, J., of the murder of one Anwana Bassey. He now appeals to this court against his conviction.
The case of the prosecution against the appellant appears simple and straight forward. The appellant had been away and had spent quite a long time in the Cameroons. His return home on 24th April, 1970, was a matter for rejoicing by his relatives and friends. His elder brother, Anwana Bassey, arranged a special reception for him to which he invited friends. There was plenty to drink, the appellant himself providing some of the drinks. There was general merriment including singing and dancing in which the appellant also played a prominent part.
The celebration of the return of the appellant took place in the house of Effiong Okpo (P.W.1) where both the appellant and Anwana Bassey were living at the time. While the drinking and merriment were in pr…