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Statement retraction forced us to adopt videotaping confessions — Police sources

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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.”

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

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December 23, 2024

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Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”
Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"
In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.
The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.
“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.
NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”
The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.
“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.
NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.
“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

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Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

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6 hours ago

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December 23, 2024

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Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

 

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

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Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

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6 hours ago

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December 23, 2024

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Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

 

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.

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