THE OFFENCES AGAINST THE STATE – TREASON, TREASONABLE FELONY AND SEDITION

Abstract

This article attempts to provide an incisive x-raying of the offences of treason, treasonable felony and sedition which ordinarily are offences against the State. It concentrates on the available legal framework available within Nigeria (the criminal code and penal code) and other criminal jurisprudence, local and international. Much as the security of a State is a sine qua non, there is a need to strike a balance between guaranteeing the stability of the Government and making sure that the inalienable rights of its citizens are not jeopardized by unscrupulous elements who may wish to achieve their inordinate ambitions. Thus, this article distinguishes between Treason and Treasonable felony. It went ahead examine the offence of Sedition especially as it affects the State. Finally, the article made some comparative analysis of these offences relying on statutes, judicial authorities, law books, local journals and other international law reports/journals. The researcher concluded by making some recommendations