NSCDC warns Akwa Ibom officers against debt recovery
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its personnel in Akwa Ibom State against involvement in debt recovery disputes, stressing that the practice falls outside the corps’ core mandate.
The warning was issued by the Director of Legal Services at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Aminu Alilu, during a capacity-building workshop at the command headquarters in Uyo.
Etim Ekpimah
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its personnel in Akwa Ibom State against involvement in debt recovery disputes, stressing that the practice falls outside the corps’ core mandate.
The warning was issued by the Director of Legal Services at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Aminu Alilu, during a capacity-building workshop at the command headquarters in Uyo.
Alilu said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 prohibits torture, cruel and inhuman treatment, and arrest in lieu of another person. He urged officers to respect suspects’ fundamental rights and comply with the law in carrying out their duties.
He described the Act as the guiding principle for all participants in the criminal justice system and called on officers, particularly those involved in prosecution, to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and humanity.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (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,” he said.
Alilu emphasised that arrest and interrogation proceedings must be recorded electronically, noting that at least one member of every arrest team must use a camera to document the process.
He said the recordings would promote transparency and provide credible video evidence to strengthen prosecution.
The legal director also reminded officers that suspects should be allowed to have a lawyer, Legal Aid counsel, a Justice of the Peace or a family member present during interrogation, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
He urged investigators to ensure the proper collection, collation and preservation of evidence, as well as the careful use of language in their reports, noting that professionalism in investigations was essential to securing convictions.
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the NSCDC, Jonathan Olariche, urged personnel to apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to serve Nigerians with dignity and professionalism.
Olariche said a well-trained workforce would improve public service delivery and benefit members of the public through more effective and professional conduct.
The workshop was attended by management staff, area commanders, divisional officers and personnel from units and departments responsible for arrests and investigations.
