Stop Giving Suspects Poison To Test Their Innocence  Or Guilt – Police

By Charles Igbo

The Anambra State Police Command has warned that it would deal decisively with those who use painful unorthodox ways to prove a suspect’s innocence or otherwise.

In a statement released on September 22, signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command said that while it respects cultural and traditional values, it stands, strongly, against forcing a suspect to undergo painful and dangerous tests to prove innocence or guilt.

Such practices, the Command said, include forcing suspects to drink poison,  dip their hands in boiling water, hold dangerous objects or undergo other violent acts to “test survival”.

The full text of the statement reads:

ANAMBRA SECURITY ADVISORY: IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NOT AN EXCUSE AND TRIAL BY ORDEAL REMAINS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE

“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to remind members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra that ignorance of the law is not an excuse to evade justice.

“While the Command respects cultural values and traditional beliefs, it strongly warns against engaging in unlawful practices, particularly trial by ordeal. This practice, which forces an accused person to undergo painful or dangerous tests to “prove” innocence or guilt, is illegal, inhuman, criminal, and punishable under Nigerian Law.

“Section 207 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, expressly prohibits trial by ordeal. It provides that any person who directs, takes part in, or submits another person to trial by ordeal is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment.

“Consequently, the Police Command emphasizes that justice must be sought and obtained only through legal courts of competent jurisdiction, not through harmful traditional practices such as forcing a suspect to drink poison or harmful substances, making someone dip their hand in boiling water, holding dangerous objects, or undergoing other violent acts to “test” survival.

“Anyone found participating in, or subjecting others to trial by ordeal, will face the full weight of the Law.

“The Command, therefore, urges residents to report such unlawful acts to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Number: 07039194332 or the PRO 08039334002, as the safety, dignity, and rights of every citizen remains a top priority.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, further assures Ndi Anambra that the Command will continue to enforce the Law without fear or favour and will not tolerate any acts capable of undermining the safety and security of the State.”

This medium gathers that a number of people, including the innocent, have either lost their lives, or permanently incapacitated through such crude cultural “methods of proof”.