From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has cautioned its personnel against arbitrary treatment of suspects, stressing the need to respect fundamental human rights and comply with legal procedures during investigations and detention.
The State Commandant, CC Abbas Mohammed, gave the charge during a two-day capacity-building workshop, organised by the Command to improve officers’ investigative skills, professionalism and effective management of persons in custody.
The workshop, organised by the Intelligence and Investigation Department, commenced recently at Ade Abolurin Hall, NSCDC State Headquarters, Ilorin, came to an end on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Mohammed, who was represented by the Deputy State Commandant, DCC Ayelabowo Olusegun, emphasised the importance of thorough investigations, proper evidence management and strict adherence to established legal procedures.
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He urged officers to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and integrity in carrying out their duties, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of suspects and persons in custody were not violated.
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 essential tools for improving personnel competence, operational efficiency and service delivery.
He maintained that officers must regularly update their knowledge and skills to keep pace with the changing demands of modern security operations.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Professionalism Through Standard Investigation Procedures and Effective Custody Management in Nigeria: Principles, Processes and Best Practices”, featured presentations by experienced security and legal practitioners.
A retired Assistant Commandant General of the Corps, ACG Ayinla Olowo, who delivered a presentation on standard investigation procedures and effective custody management, highlighted the need for procedural discipline, proper documentation, appropriate evidence handling and strict compliance with professional standards.
Similarly, the Assistant Director, 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 satisfies the required legal standards.
In his presentation, the Deputy Head of the Legal Unit, NSCDC Kwara State Command, DSC Kolo Mohammed, reminded officers that suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He said the principle of presumption of innocence places a responsibility on investigating officers to avoid arbitrary treatment, respect constitutional safeguards and ensure that all custody procedures are carried out within the ambit of the law.
The training also exposed participants to critical aspects of criminal justice administration, including lawful arrest and detention, evidence collection and preservation, chain of custody, admissibility of evidence, constitutional safeguards and the legal responsibilities of investigating officers.
The Command said the exercise was designed to equip personnel with the requisite knowledge and practical skills to conduct investigations professionally, protect the rights of suspects and strengthen public confidence in the Corps.
