Kwara NSCDC Trains Officers on Evidence Handling, Rights of Suspects
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has intensified efforts to improve the professionalism of its personnel, with a two-day training programme on standard investigation procedures, evidence management and the protection of suspects’ rights.
The workshop, organised by the Command’s Intelligence and Investigation Department, commenced on Wednesday at the Ade Abolurin Hall, State Headquarters, Ilorin, with a focus on strengthening officers’ investigative skills and ensuring compliance with legal standards in the handling of suspects.
The training, which ends on Thursday, is themed, “Enhancing Professionalism Through Standard Investigation Procedures and Effective Custody Management in Nigeria: Principles, Processes and Best Practices.”
Speaking at the event, the State Commandant, CC Abbas Ndah Mohammed, represented by the Deputy State Commandant, DCC Ayelabowo Isaac Olusegun, charged officers to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised the need for thorough investigations, proper evidence management and strict adherence to established legal procedures, stressing that the fundamental rights of suspects and persons in custody must be respected.
The Commandant said the organisation of another capacity-building programme barely three months after a similar exercise underscored his commitment to continuous training and retraining as a means of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
He urged personnel to regularly update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with the changing demands of modern security operations.
In his presentation, a retired Assistant Commandant General of the Corps, ACG Ayinla T. Olowo, offered practical insights into standard investigative procedures, highlighting the importance of procedural discipline, proper documentation, evidence handling and compliance with established operational standards.
Also speaking, an Assistant Director in the Department of Public Prosecution, Kwara State Ministry of Justice, Ilorin, Mrs Adedoyin Ojukaiye, examined the legal requirements for the admissibility of evidence, standards of proof and the responsibilities of investigating officers within the criminal justice system.
She stressed that investigations must be properly conducted and documented to ensure that evidence presented before courts meets the requisite legal standards.
Similarly, the Deputy Head of the Legal Unit of the NSCDC Kwara Command, DSC Kolo M. Mohammed, reminded officers that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He warned against arbitrary treatment of suspects, urging investigating officers to uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure that arrest, detention and other custody procedures comply with the law.
The workshop also exposed participants to critical issues in criminal investigation and justice administration, including lawful arrest and detention, evidence collection and preservation, chain of custody, admissibility of evidence, constitutional safeguards and the responsibilities of investigating officers.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC I Ayoola Michael Shola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
