Cameras, Legal Representation & Humane Treatment: NSCDC Reinforces Arrest Rules
By JOANNA ILUSANMI
THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cautioned its personnel against using their positions to intervene in private debt recovery matters, reminding them that law enforcement must remain within the limits of their statutory responsibilities.
The warning came during a one-day capacity-building workshop organised for personnel of the corps’ Akwa Ibom Command. It also focused on the legal procedures governing arrests, interrogations and criminal investigations under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Mr. Aminu Alilu, Director of Legal Services at the NSCDC National Headquarters, addressed participants at the training. The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Friday Ekerete, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Uyo.
Alilu explained that debt recovery was not part of the corps’ core mandate. He therefore urged officers to avoid involvement in such disputes in ways that could lead to unlawful arrests or other abuses.
Moreover, he reminded personnel that the ACJA prohibited torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, and arresting one person in place of another. These safeguards, he stressed, must guide officers whenever they exercise their law enforcement powers.
The legal director also highlighted the requirement to record arrest and interrogation proceedings with cameras. According to him, at least one member of every arresting squad must use a camera to document the process, thereby improving transparency and producing credible video evidence for prosecution.
He further emphasised the electronic recording of confessional statements in accordance with the Act. Such procedures, alongside respect for suspects’ fundamental rights, are intended to support lawful investigations and strengthen the administration of justice.
“The ACJA 2015 is the Bible of every player in the criminal justice system. Officers, especially prosecution officers, have to apply the law with a human face,” Alilu said.
Equally important, he reminded investigators that suspects should be allowed access to a lawyer, Legal Aid Counsel, a Justice of the Peace or a family member during interrogation, as provided for under the applicable legal framework.
Alilu also urged personnel to improve how they collect, collate and preserve evidence. He warned that careless investigations and inappropriate language could undermine cases, while professional conduct and reliable evidence could strengthen prosecutions.
Earlier, the state Commandant, Mr. Jonathan Olariche, encouraged participants to translate the training into better service delivery. He said continuous capacity building would help the corps develop a more professional workforce and improve its relationship with the public.
The workshop targeted management staff, area commanders, divisional officers and personnel in units and departments involved in arrests and investigations. Through the training, the command sought to reinforce lawful conduct, professionalism and respect for the dignity of Nigerians.
