batch-1793637774 1793637774 Global Insights Law Journal publisher@gilawjournal.com Global Insights Law Journal Global Insights Law Journal 3141-5717 2026 1 3 Douglas, View This study evaluates the legal framework, statutory dynamics, and practical challenges governing character evidence under the Nigerian criminal justice system, alongside a comparative analysis of corresponding doctrines in Ghana, India, and the United States. The research examines the delicate balance between admitting probative evidence and protecting accused persons from unfair propensity prejudice. Using a doctrinal and comparative research methodology, the paper analyzes primary statutory provisions under the Nigerian Evidence Act 2011, Ghanaian Evidence Act 1975, Indian Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, and United States Federal Rules of Evidence. The investigation reveals that while Nigerian evidence law strictly restricts character evidence to general reputation under Section 77 and presumptively excludes bad character under Section 82(1), trial courts frequently face difficulties in distinguishing reputation from disposition and managing the tactical risks of propensity reasoning under Section 180(g)(ii). Comparatively, statutory frameworks in Ghana, India, and the United States offer clearer statutory gateways, permit opinion evidence, and enforce explicit judicial balancing tests. The study recommends legislative amendments to Section 82 of the Evidence Act 2011 to codify explicit non-propensity gateways, mandatory judicial balancing of probative force against prejudicial effect on the record, and the total prohibition of cross-examination on uncharged suspicions or abandoned counts. 2026 10 20 10.67588/0008 https://gilawjournal.com/article/challenges-of-character-evidence-under-the-nigerian-criminal-justice-system-a-comparative-analysis-with-other-jurisdictions Character Evidence; Evidence Act 2011; Propensity Reasoning; Criminal Procedure; Comparative Evidence Law