Idowu Owohunwa, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, has encouraged officers within the command to have a deep understanding of the laws related to crimes, in order to ensure thorough investigations and effective prosecutions.
Owohunwa delivered this directive on Tuesday during a training session that gathered prosecutors and investigators from various divisions and sectors of the Lagos command.
The training was organised by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), which receives funding from the European Union and is overseen by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).
Mr. Waheed Ayillara, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), represented Owohunwa and emphasised the need for officers to become familiar with the legal framework governing various crimes. This familiarity would enhance their ability to conduct successful investigations and prosecutions.
He stated, “In order to excel as investigators and prosecutors, you must be well-versed in the laws relevant to the cases you handle. Seek guidance from colleagues who possess deeper knowledge. Refrain from being inexperienced. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the relevant crime codes.”
RoLAC’s Coordinator in Lagos State, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakiwa, explained that the training aimed to benefit 200 police personnel within the Lagos Police Command by enhancing their capabilities in investigation and prosecution techniques.
Ijimakiwa clarified that the training was a collaborative effort involving the Directorate of Public Prosecution in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Lagos Police Command.
She emphasised that the training would acquaint the officers with recent amendments in the criminal justice system in Lagos.
The coordinator anticipated that officers would exhibit improved investigation and prosecution skills following the training. She stated, “We anticipate enhanced performance from the officers in the way they conduct investigations and prosecute cases. Previous errors should be rectified.”
Babajide Martins, the Director of DPP in Lagos, highlighted that the training sought to establish an efficient administration of the criminal justice system in Lagos State.
Martins explained that the training would introduce contemporary methods of investigation and prosecution in court proceedings.
He further noted that the training would also familiarise officers with concepts such as plea bargaining, District Prosecutors, and their respective responsibilities.
He underlined the authority of District Prosecutors, noting that they hold the power to prevent certain case files from reaching the Magistrate. “Through case file review, District Prosecutors can discern whether a case has civil implications, in which case it shouldn’t be brought to court and treated as a criminal matter,” he elaborated.
