EFCC unveils training programme to boost financial crime investigations

EFCC unveils training programme to boost financial crime investigations

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.

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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.”