The Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that it operated within the ambit of law in the interrogation of suspects arrested in respect of the 2021 terror attack on the United Nations House in Abuja.
The secret police maintained that statements made by all suspects in relation to the alleged crime were voluntarily made without any intimidation, duress or coercion.
A witness of the organization, who is the prosecution witness number three, made the clarification while testifying in a trial within trial being carried out by Justice Emeka Nwite to authenticate voluntariness of the statements made to DSS by the five defendants put on trial in respect of the attack.
The witness, while being cross examined by lawyers to the defendants, especially lawyer to 3rd and 5th defendants, said there were several interactions the defendants had with a team of investigators acting on behalf of the DSS during the interview sessions that lasted from 2016 to 2017.
He said although he cannot recollect how many times the defendants were interviewed by the investigators, all the engagements were carried out with due respect and adherence to the rule of law and best international practice.
Specifically, the witness maintained that the interrogation of the defendants was audio-video recorded in line with the operational procedures of the DSS.
He said the DSS, being a lawful organization observes due process of law and respects the right of people, including detainees. According to him, activities such as using the convenience or visits of family members, which are unofficial engagements, are not recorded.
“Statement obtained from 3rd and 5th defendants were audio-visual recorded. Statement must not be made and are not made under duress, intimidation, oppression, threat, torture or any kind of promise.”
Under cross examination by the counsel to the 4th defendant, the DSS witness said standard and operating procedures, pursuant to the rule of law was dully observed by the secret police.
“In respect of the 4th defendant there was the administration of cautionary statement – ‘You are not obliged to say or do anything but anything that you do, say or write will be taken in evidence and may be produced in evidence before the court.”
According to the witness, the cautionary statement was administered in the language of the defendant as well as the right to a legal counsel whereby the 4th defendant elected that the processes should go on, having stated that he understands his rights.
After the testimony of the PW3, the court adjourned till March 26 for continuation of trial within trial.
UN building attack: DSS acted within law in interrogation of suspects – Witness tells court
