Self-defence is a necessary right of every person in Nigeria. It is a
right granted to every citizen under the constitution. This right
enables a person to exercise defence to unlawful violence meted
against oneself or property but in a reasonable manner. Although the
right of self-defence may be pleaded by any person in a court of law
to negate the existence and liability of an offence, it must however
conform strictly to the standard of reasonability and necessity. Thus,
this paper examines the scope of the right of self-defence under
Nigeria law.