EFCC launches weekly training in Enugu to strengthen investigations and prosecutions through improved documentary evidence handling

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, led by Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, has launched a robust weekly training programme in Enugu to enhance the quality of investigations and prosecutions, particularly in complex financial crime cases.

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The initiative, announced on the commission’s official X handle on Monday, focuses on Documentary Evidence and Admissibility.

The programme examines how documentary evidence is created, articulated and presented in court in line with the Evidence Act 2011.

Assistant Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ACE II Okoli Chidiebere Anosike of the Legal and Prosecution Department, Enugu Zonal Directorate, led the inaugural session.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike highlighted the critical 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,” Okoli Chidiebere Anosike said.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike defined documentary evidence as any matter expressed through letters, figures, marks or other means intended for recording.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike explained that books, maps, photographs, films and computer outputs are all vital in proving facts during legal proceedings.

Citing Section 258 of the Evidence Act 2011, Okoli Chidiebere Anosike stated that a document can be anything conveying information intended for record.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike also clarified the distinction between public and private documents.

Public documents originate from official government bodies, while private documents come from individuals or companies but may become public once in government custody.

On extrajudicial statements, Okoli Chidiebere Anosike stressed the importance of compliance with legal safeguards.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike said suspects must be cautioned before making statements and informed of their right to remain silent.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike added that statements are video recorded and taken in the presence of a lawyer to prevent disputes over voluntariness and avoid trial within trial.

Addressing admissibility, Okoli Chidiebere Anosike explained that documents must be relevant, legally admissible and properly introduced.

Primary evidence, being the original document, is directly admissible, while secondary evidence requires a proper foundation before acceptance.

Okoli Chidiebere Anosike noted that in criminal trials, documents must be attached to proof of evidence and directly linked to the charge to avoid rejection in court.

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The weekly programme forms part of a broader capacity building strategy designed to equip operatives with the legal precision required to secure convictions based on credible and evidence based investigations.