By Folayimika Akanbi
The Commandant, Kwara State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abbas Ndah Mohammed, has urged personnel of the corps to always respect the fundamental rights of suspects and persons in the custody of the corps.
Abbas also told the officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He stated this in Ilorin during a two-day capacity-building workshop the command organized to strengthen officers’ investigative competence, professionalism and effective custody management.
Themed “Enhancing Professionalism Through Standard Investigation Procedures and Effective Custody Management in Nigeria: Principles, Processes and Best Practices,” the Intelligence and Investigation Department of the command convened the event.
Abbas, who spoke through the Deputy State Commandant, Ayelabowo Isaac Olusegun, emphasised the importance of thorough investigations, proper evidence management and strict adherence to established legal procedures.
The commandant also stressed that the organisation of another capacity-building programme, barely three months after a similar training, reflects his firm belief that continuous training and retraining are essential to enhancing officers’ competence, operational efficiency and overall service delivery.
He maintained that personnel must continually update their knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of modern security operations.
Delivering a presentation on standard investigation procedures and effective custody management, retired Assistant Commandant General, Ayinla Taiye Olowo, provided practical insights into professional investigative processes, highlighting the importance of procedural discipline, proper documentation, evidence handling and compliance with established standards.
In her presentation, Mrs Adedoyin Ojukaiye, Assistant Director, Department of Public Prosecution, Kwara State Ministry of Justice, Ilorin, examined the legal and administrative admissibility of evidence, standards of proof and the responsibilities of investigating officers within the criminal justice framework.
She underscored the need for investigations to be properly conducted and documented to ensure that evidence presented in court meets the requisite legal standards.
Similarly, the Deputy Head of the Legal Unit, NSCDC Kwara State Command, DSC Kolo M. Mohammed, addressed the fundamental rights of suspects in custody, reminding officers that every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He emphasised that the presumption of innocence places a corresponding responsibility on investigating officers to avoid arbitrary treatment, uphold constitutional safeguards and ensure that all custody procedures are conducted within the ambit of the law.
The workshop provided participants with valuable insights into critical aspects of investigation and criminal 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 event, held at Ade Abolurin Hall, NSCDC State Headquarters, Ilorin, had in attendance personnel of the corps from various departments of the state command.
