In a significant move to enhance the integrity of criminal investigations, the Nigeria Police Force is set to introduce the videotaping of confessions, addressing the alarming trend of suspects retracting their statements during interrogations.
According to reports from THE PUNCH, a directive circulated via police wireless communication by an investigative journalist on X.com, under the handle @PIDOMNIGERIA, emphasizes the necessity for police operatives to record confessions on video.
The wireless message, identified by reference number AR:4280/BRS/X/VOL.3/208, underscores a Supreme Court ruling mandating that confessions must be video recorded. It suggests that police can utilize mobile phones to capture these statements, which can later be transferred to a compact disc for inclusion in case files.
The directive also stresses the importance of allowing suspects’ legal representatives or relatives to be present during the confession, as required by law.
Despite attempts to verify the authenticity of this directive with police spokespeople, sources within the force confirmed that the new measure aims to prevent suspects from recanting their confessions in court.
A senior police official from Lagos, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, highlighted that this initiative is part of recent amendments to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which governs the prosecution and detention of suspects.
The officer stated, “Recording confessional statements on video helps ensure that when the case reaches court, the confession cannot be disputed, thus eliminating doubts about coercion.” Furthermore, a police officer from Ogun State noted that the success of this initiative largely depends on the competence of the Investigating Police Officer.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter. Sile Obasa, a managing partner at Pelican Crest LP in Oyo State, emphasized that the ACJA mandates the presence of legal counsel or relatives during interrogations, reinforcing the need for proper documentation and accountability in obtaining confessions. He cautioned, “Without video recording or the presence of legal representatives, the validity of confessions becomes questionable.”
This directive marks a crucial step towards ensuring fairer treatment of suspects and safeguarding their rights within the Nigerian criminal justice system.
