What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the technical and forensic challenges of providing evidence in witchcraft cases and assess the gap between legal evidentiary standards and sociocultural beliefs.

August 16, 2026Open Access

The Challenges of Providing Technical Evidence in Witchcraft Cases: A Forensic Perspective

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Authors

AEAbdulmalik Jimoh EdunUniversity of Ilorin BJBuhari Edun JimohKwara State University

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Overview

Quantitative survey reveals forensic evidence gaps and cultural barriers in witchcraft adjudication among justice personnel, highlighting the need for specialized infrastructure.

Key Points

Examine the technical and forensic challenges of providing evidence in witchcraft cases and assess the gap between legal evidentiary standards and sociocultural beliefs.
Conducted a quantitative descriptive survey of N=204 justice-sector personnel in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Evaluated challenges using forensic science perspectives and Cultural Deviance Theory.
Witchcraft beliefs substantially impact crime reporting and court processes, while the absence of physical evidence and fear of community backlash impede prosecution.
Respondents affirmed that forensic evidence prevents wrongful punishment, but inadequate forensic infrastructure severely restricts its practical application.

Cite This Study

Edun et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a819d36f2fb91fc834aed61 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21948148

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August 16, 2026Open Access

The Challenges of Providing Technical Evidence in Witchcraft Cases: A Forensic Perspective

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

AEAbdulmalik Jimoh EdunUniversity of Ilorin BJBuhari Edun JimohKwara State University

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Quantitative survey reveals forensic evidence gaps and cultural barriers in witchcraft adjudication among justice personnel, highlighting the need for specialized infrastructure.

Key Points

Examine the technical and forensic challenges of providing evidence in witchcraft cases and assess the gap between legal evidentiary standards and sociocultural beliefs.
Conducted a quantitative descriptive survey of N=204 justice-sector personnel in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Evaluated challenges using forensic science perspectives and Cultural Deviance Theory.
Witchcraft beliefs substantially impact crime reporting and court processes, while the absence of physical evidence and fear of community backlash impede prosecution.
Respondents affirmed that forensic evidence prevents wrongful punishment, but inadequate forensic infrastructure severely restricts its practical application.

Cite This Study

Edun et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a819d36f2fb91fc834aed61 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21948148

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