The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex financial crimes.
According to a post obtained from EFCC’s X handle on Monday, initiated by EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the training focuses on Documentary Evidence and Admissibility, examining how documentary evidence is created, articulated, and presented in court, while adhering to the procedural requirements outlined in 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 and discussed 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. This includes books, maps, photographs, films, and computer outputs, all of which are critical in proving facts in legal proceedings.
“A document, under Section 258 of the Evidence Act 2011, can be anything that conveys information intended for recording,” Anosike said.
Anosike also provided insights into the distinction between public and private documents. “Public documents are official records from government bodies, such as the legislature, judiciary, and executive,” he said. “Private documents, on the other hand, come from individuals or private companies, but they can become public if they enter government custody.”
Discussing extrajudicial statements, Anosike emphasized the importance of ensuring that a statement taken outside the presence of a judge complies 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,” he stated.
“We always ensure that statements are video recorded, and the suspect’s lawyer is present to avoid disputes about voluntariness and prevent trial within trial.”
The EFCC official further outlined the conditions for the admissibility of documents in court, highlighting that they must be relevant, admissible under the law, and properly introduced into evidence.
“Primary evidence, 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,” Anosike said.
This training initiative, according to Anosike, is part of the EFCC’s broader strategy to build the capacity of its staff and ensure that operatives can effectively manage complex cases and secure convictions based on sound legal principles and robust, evidence-based investigations.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex financial crimes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex...
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- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex financial crimes.
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex financial crimes.According to a post obtained from EFCC’s X handle on Monday, initiated by EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, the training focuses on Documentary Evidence and Admissibility, examining how documentary evidence is created, articulated, and presented in court, while adhering to the procedural requirements outlined in 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 and discussed 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.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex financial crimes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched a weekly training programme in Enugu, aimed at enhancing the quality of its investigations and prosecutions, particularly in managing complex...
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February 23, 2026
