In a deliberate move to upscale professional capacity and ensure rights-based law enforcement, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command has trained different categories of officers on the provisions and application of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The capacity building workshop held Friday, 23rd October, 2026 at the State Command Headquarters, Uyo, was facilitated by the Director of Legal Services, NSCDC National Headquarters, Barr. A.K. Alilu.
Declaring the workshop open, the State Commandant, Commandant Olariche Jonathan, charged personnel to leverage the training to serve Nigerians with dignity and professionalism. He noted that building a well-trained workforce will add value to public service, with the general public benefiting directly through improved and professional service delivery.
In his presentation, Barr. Alilu described the ACJA 2015 as the “Bible of every player in the criminal justice system” and tasked officers to apply the law with a human face. He dissected critical provisions of the Act, including Sections 6 and 8 which prohibit torture, cruel, inhuman treatment and arrest in lieu; Section 15(4) which mandates electronic recording of confessional statements; and Sections 30-33 which regulate arrest and respect for the fundamental rights of suspects.
He emphasized that camera recording of arrest and interrogation proceedings is mandatory under ACJA 2015. He therefore directed that at least one member of every arresting squad must use a camera to record proceedings to guarantee transparency and provide credible video evidence which strengthens prosecution.
The Director further lectured that during interrogation, a suspect must have present one of the following: his lawyer, a Legal Aid Counsel, a Justice of the Peace, or a family member, in line with Section 17 of the Act. He also guided investigators on proper evidence gathering, collation, preservation and choice of words, noting that professionalism in investigation secures convictions.
Barr. Alilu cautioned that debt recovery is not the duty of the NSCDC. He clarified that the Corps is however mandated to mediate between two willing members of the public through its Peace and Conflict Resolution mechanism.
He warned that non-compliance with ACJA 2015, especially violations of fundamental human rights, could lead to nullification of cases, civil liabilities and loss of public confidence.
Highpoint of the workshop was the formal presentation of copies of the ACJA 2015 to the State Commandant to serve as a compass for officers, especially in investigations and prosecutions.
SC Friday Ekerete, ANIPR
Public Relations Officer
NSCDC, Akwa Ibom State Command
NSCDC AKWA IBOM COMMAND TRAINS OFFICERS ON ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE FOR PROFESSIONAL AND RIGHTS-BASED LAW ENFORCEMENT
Bynewsdesk
Oct 24, 2026