I find it convenient at this stage to unveil that Latin phrase “IN PARI DELICTO”. This is a Latin phrase for “in equal fault”. It is a legal term used to indicate that two persons or entities are equally at fault, whether the malfeasance in question is a crime or tort. The phrase is most commonly used by courts when relief is being denied to both parties in a civil action because of wrong doing by both parties. The phrase means in essence, that since both parties are equally at fault, the court will not involve itself in resolving one side’s claim over the others, and whoever possesses whatever is in dispute may continue to do so in the absence of a superior claim. The doctrine is similar to defence of unclean hands, both of which are equitable defences.
– Adekeye JSC. Nwaolisah v. Nwabufoh (2011)