The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu to enhance the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in handling complex financial crimes.
According to a post shared on the commission’s official X handle on Monday, the initiative was introduced by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The training focuses on documentary evidence and admissibility. It examines how documentary evidence is created, articulated and presented in court, in line with the procedural requirements of the Evidence Act 2011.
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Okoli Chidiebere Anosike of the Legal and Prosecution Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate, led the session. He highlighted the vital role documentary evidence plays in financial crime investigations.
“In every investigation, the burden of proof lies with the party bringing the case. This burden is primarily met through oral testimony and documentary evidence,” Anosike said.
He described documentary evidence as any matter expressed or described through letters, figures, marks or other means intended for recording. He said this includes books, maps, photographs, films and computer outputs, which are critical in proving facts during legal proceedings.
“A document, under Section 258 of the Evidence Act 2011, can be anything that conveys information intended for recording,” he added.
Anosike also explained the distinction between public and private documents. He said public documents are official records from government institutions such as the legislature, judiciary and executive. Private documents originate from individuals or private companies but can become public once they enter government custody.
On extrajudicial statements, he stressed the need for strict compliance with legal safeguards.
“Before a suspect makes an extrajudicial statement, they must be cautioned: ‘You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say may be used against you in evidence.’ This ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects the voluntariness of the statement,” Anosike stated.
He added that statements are video recorded and taken in the presence of a suspect’s lawyer to avoid disputes about voluntariness and prevent a trial-within-trial scenario.
The EFCC official further outlined the conditions for admissibility of documents in court. He noted that documents must be relevant, admissible under the law and properly introduced into evidence.
“Primary evidence, which is the original document, is directly admissible. Secondary evidence, such as photocopies or digital versions, requires a proper foundation before it can be accepted.
“In criminal trials, documents must be attached to the proof of evidence and directly related to the charge. Otherwise, they will be rejected,” he said.
Anosike noted that the training forms part of the commission’s broader strategy to build staff capacity. He said the goal is to ensure operatives can effectively manage complex cases and secure convictions based on sound legal principles and robust, evidence-based investigations.
