society
Statement retraction forced us to adopt videotaping confessions — Police sources
Statement retraction forced us to adopt videotaping confessions — Police sources
The Nigeria Police may have opted to implement the videotaping of confessions in response to the increasing number of criminal suspects retracting their confessional statements made during interrogations with law enforcement officers, PUNCH Metro reports.
A police wireless message was circulated by a self-identified investigative journalist on X.com known as @PIDOMNIGERIA on Wednesday directing police operatives to utilise video recording when obtaining confessional statements.
The wireless message bearing reference number AR:4280/BRS/X/VOL.3/208 partly read, “Confessional statement; be informed that the Supreme Court had that it is mandatory for police officers to video record suspects while making confessional statements.
“The police can use cell phones to record and later transfer it to a compact disc and attach it to the case file for prosecution.
“Alternatively, the police should stop restraining suspects’ lawyers from being present when suspects are making statements, as the law says. A suspect should make a statement in the presence of his lawyer or anyone related to him. The lawyer or relatives of the suspect who witnessed the statement must sign and write his name as a witness at the bottom of the statement.”
Although the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer their phones on Thursday when our correspondent tried to verify the wireless message, police sources informed our correspondent that the directive was aimed at preventing suspects from retracting their confessions during prosecution.
During an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, a senior police source in Lagos State, speaking anonymously about the new mandate, said, “We have what is known as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which governs the prosecution and detention of suspects.
“The Act is periodically reviewed to incorporate new developments. The directive is part of the latest amendments to the Act.”
“When a suspect makes a confessional statement admitting to a crime, prosecuting officers are required to video record the statement and transfer it to a CD. This ensures that, when the case goes to court, the confession cannot be retracted.
“This measure eliminates any suspicion or impression that the suspect was coerced into making the statement. Additionally, the statement must be made in the presence of the suspect’s lawyer,” she added.
Another police officer in Ogun State, who craved similar anonymity because of a lack of authorisation to speak for the police, said the intelligence of the Investigating Police Officer handling the case had a significant impact on how feasible the directives would be applied.
He said, “Taking confessional statements involves several procedures. In the past, when such situations arose, a senior police officer would be present during the statement, which would be recorded and later presented in court. This process is distinct from other types of investigations.”
Discussing the constitutional aspects of the directive, a managing partner at Pelican Crest LP in Oyo State, Sile Obasa, clarified that Section 17(2) of the Administrative Criminal Justice Act pertains to more than just confessional statements.
Obasa emphasised that all provisions of the section, including the requirement for the presence of the suspect’s lawyers or relatives, must be upheld before a suspect is asked to provide any statement, whether confessional or otherwise.
He said, “Here’s the point: when interrogating a suspect without video recording or the presence of their lawyer or a relative, can you be certain they won’t confess? And should officers then be able to use such a statement to prosecute them?
“The origin is the ACJA, mandating the law enforcement agencies to ensure that any statement from a suspect is properly recorded and made in the presence of a lawyer. The ACJA is domesticated across the 36 states of the federation.”
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.
The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.
According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.
Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.
With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.
society
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
Dr. Chris Okafor invokes divine retribution upon individuals blackmailing the Grace Nation church
… Affirming God’s omnipotence to unveil malicious schemes.
To be frank, the ability of Doris Ogala and her associates to withstand the arduous challenges set by Senior Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor of Grace Nation Global at the culmination of the Harvest of Babies 2026 conference, the church’s flagship event, continues to elude me.
It’s advisable not to offend a powerful spiritual leader like Prophet Chris Okafor to avoid potential consequences, as seen in the situation with Doris Ogala, who was rebuked by the prophet; can she rectify the situation through confession?
Insiders close to the man of God claim that despite relentless online bullying and blackmailing, the Generational Prophet remains resolute, stating that God’s power has been evident throughout the commission’s existence. The reason for this wonderful statement is found in the scriptures, “Upon this rock I shall build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail.” The more falsehoods are spread about the church and its leader, the more God elevates the church and propels him to greater heights, he asserted. He emphasized that blessings and fruitfulness are antidotes to curses, noting that God continues to bestow blessings upon the church, including miracles and the gift of children, which is one reason for the grand finale of the annual family liberation program, The Harvest of Babies.
However, the man of God issued a curse on each person speaking ill of the church, blackmailing, and uttering all sorts of falsehoods against the church, declaring that if they refused to repent within a few days, the earth would swallow them and their family members, stating that they would be of no use to themselves, their families, or society at large.
The spiritual leader cautions his followers to beware of such individuals including Doris Ogala who may taint their faith, and urges them to treat these persons as emissaries of the devil, avoiding them altogether.
Recall that the 2026 harvest of babies concluded with a remarkable birth of a miracle baby boy to a woman on the third day of the conference, accompanied by the dedication of several other miracle babies, all to the glory of God.
Christopher Sunday David writes from
Austria
“Together We Walk, Together We Secure”: Police Launch 2026 Walkathon In Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to host a walkathon in commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day, aimed at promoting unity, peace, and stronger community partnership.
The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with participants expected to converge at the Force Headquarters Abuja by 6:00 a.m., where the walk will commence.
According to the organisers, the walkathon is designed to bring together members of the public, stakeholders, and security personnel in a show of solidarity and shared commitment to national security.
With the theme, “Together we walk, together we secure,” the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the police and citizens in maintaining peace and safety across the country.
Members of the public have been encouraged to participate in the exercise, which forms part of activities lined up to mark this year’s National Police Day celebration.
It is believed that the walkathon would not only foster closer ties between the police and the communities but also serve as a platform to promote awareness on collective responsibility in ensuring a safer society.
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