By Safia Abdulrahman
Some stakeholders in the Justice sector have called for the need to record confessional statements to reduce chances of trial within trial.
They made the call during the 2024 edition of the 6th Annual Criminal Law Review Conference (ACLRC) organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation (RLDF) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajilaye, former High Court Judge noted that confessional statements are crucial components of criminal trials.
“The confessional statement of a defendant if voluntarily made and is of great evidential value in the dispensation of criminal justice.
“It is regarded as the best evidence in a criminal trial which can ease the stress of trials within trial.
“If you have recorded evidence and a legal practitioner is there present, then that statements should be legally admitted”.
He added that there is no need for studio establishment as most people have smart phones and can take evidenced record of the confessional statements.
DCP Simon Lough, SAN, Head of Nigeria Police Force Legal chamber said Sectpon 15&17 of the administration of criminal justice act ensures that evidence of confessional statements recorded are admitted without the need for trial within trial.
“Therefore, to reduce the long-term stress of trial within trials confessional evidence statement will make things easier.
“It is highly commendable and supported for every state to adopt it so as to ensure that justice is served.
He urged the senior officers to ensure that the provision of section 15 and section 17 are complied with.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in most court cases, once an accused raises an objection that a statement is taken forcefully, a trial within trial must be conducted.
