From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

The Gombe state branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has organised a one-day capacity-building for investigators and prosecutors of the state command of the Nigeria Police Force.

The training which brought together investigators and prosecutors from the state headquarters and other divisional office across the state, was to enhance the quality of criminal investigations and judicial outcomes in Gombe.

It also seeks to improve the technical competencies of officers involved in the criminal investigations and prosecution processes.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the state Chairman of the NBA, Barrister Benjamin Sati, emphasized the importance of aligning investigative procedures with legal best practices. He noted that the training seeks to illuminate common errors in investigations and reinforce ethical standards critical to delivering justice.

According to him, the initiative is part of the association’s broader commitment to fostering a robust, fair, and efficient criminal justice system in the state. He said, “we recognize that flawed investigations does not only compromise cases but also erode public trust in the judiciary. This workshop is designed to bridge knowledge gaps and promote a culture of professionalism”.

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“We have identified several issues, first by prosecutors, when cases went to court for trial, there are mostly some inadequacies or omissions that happens during investigation and usually lead to the acquittance of somebody who would have been convicted.

As critical stakeholders we felt we should organise the training to bring the investigators to talk about one or two things that would helpful to the people who do investigations,” Sati stated while disclosing that his team has plans to organise such training for other paramilitary organisations that do investigations and prosecution in the state.

On his part, while speaking at the event, the , Commissioner of Police in charge of the Gombe state command, CP Bello Yahaya stated that the training is crucial in strengthening the criminal justice value chain in the state.

“As we are all aware, the quality of investigation and prosecution forms the bedrock of successful convictions and the effective administration of justice. This training seeks to offers a platform for cross-learning between the police and the legal community a necessary synergy for a more efficient criminal justice system,” CP Yahaya said.

He commended the leaders of the NBA for the foresight and collaborative spirit. He said, “I also thank the facilitators and resource persons who have made time to be here. To our officers participating in this training, I urge you to approach every session with an open mind. Your attendance is not merely to fulfill a duty; it is to elevate your professionalism, renew your purpose, and reinforce your commitment to justice”.