The Attorney General Alliance AGA -Africa has trained about 200 lawyers in Kogi State on Oral Advocacy and Electronic Evidence in Criminal Prosecution and Defence.
The Country Representative, Chief Anthony Idigie (SAN) of AGA -Africa, disclosed this while speaking at the opening ceremony of the
two-day training on Oral Advocacy and Electronic Evidence in Criminal Prosecution and Defence with the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission on Thursday at the Suitorial Hotels in Lokoja.
The Country Representative, who was represented by the Coordinator AGA-Africa, Ebelecchukwu Enedah, explained that the conversation of electronic evidence is indeed an important one as we continue moving into an increasingly technologically advanced and reliant society, and so does the use of technology to commit a crime.
He also spoke on making digital evidence a fundamental part of successful and effective investigations and prosecutions of crime, adding that it enables investigations, by revealing vital information about crimes committed; movement of suspects; and criminal associates, among other factors.
He said, “Indeed, Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011 provides for the admissibility of documents generated from a computer and the conditions that must be fulfilled for electronic evidence to be admitted; playing a fundamental role in backing the revolutionary decisions by yourselves to embrace electronic evidence, and moving you towards a future where electronic evidence will be commonplace.
“However, the admissibility of this evidence will be greatly determined by how persuasively and accurately you can put across your argument, whilst showing the relevancy of the evidence that you are presenting to the court. Your argument should further be expressed eloquently and clearly.
“This training is therefore important as it provides us with a chance to discuss the issues that can arise about electronic evidence; and the need to formulate and adopt strategies that can address these issues.
“The training further provides us with a chance to look at best practices about electronic evidence, bearing in mind that this type of evidence requires enhanced expertise; and can easily be tampered with, manipulated or erased before it reaches the hand of justice, as well as, best practices when it comes to oral advocacy to ensure and enhance effective prosecutions.
The Country Representative also lauded the Kogi State Government for partnering with Attorney General Alliance AGA -Africa, saying that the development represents the third time Kogi State would host AGA -Africa Programmes.
He also lauded the Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission ,stressing that It is always a pleasure partnering with the commission.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, the Coordinator, Ebelechukwu Enedah, pointed out that the theme of the workshop is very apt following the increase in technological advancement.
He added that oral advocacy is the way the lawyers present their cases in court and the admissibility of the electronic which hitherto was not known to the court.
She, therefore, urged the participants to take the advantage of this training to broaden their knowledge.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has also commended Attorney General Alliance AGA -Africa for bringing the workshop to the state, saying that the state government will continue to partner with any programme that promotes rule of law.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to Kogi State Government , Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, stated that the governor would have loved to be present at the workshop personally but was unavoidably absent for another assignment.
The SSG also quoted Governor Bello as saying that his administration would continue to partner with organisations promoting the rule of law and commended the AGA-Africa for bringing the programme to Kogi State.
The Director General, Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citzens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Abdullahi Zakari, stated that the importance of the theme of the workshop can not be over emphasised, saying that the law practice required training and retraining to stay abreast of the latest happening in the law profession.
Zakari therefore urged the 200 participants to take advantage of the workshop brought to their door steps to update their knowledge, adding that people are paying heavily to receive this kind training.
