- The witness spoke in Hausa language through an interpreter, he stated that he did not write a confessional statement due to his lack of writing skills.
- Justice Akpan later adjourned the case till April 25 for a ruling on the application and continuation of the trial.
Aliyu Muhammadu, a 22-year-old man has refuted claims that he ever confessed of a being a kidnapper to the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS)
Muhamadu who was accused of participating in hostage taking testified at the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Tuesday at the resumption of trial in a case involving alleged hostage taking and highway robbery against him and Umar Idris.
The witness spoke in Hausa language through an interpreter, he stated that he did not write a confessional statement due to his lack of writing skills.
“When the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) asked me, I told them that I know nothing about kidnapping and I stood by what I told them,” Muhammadu said
“I don’t know how they got a supposed confessional statement. They lied that I wrote it because I cannot write in hausa language or any other language.
“I don’t know whether my signature is on the same confessional statement or not because I was unconscious as a result of the brutal torture the DSS operatives subjected me to.
“In fact, I never knew that I would still be alive till date, I was so weak and could not recognize anything after beating me.”
Ayishat, Muhamadu’s relative also said that the DSS denied her access to her nephew due to the lack of a hausa language interpreter.
Ayishat said that despite taking a lawyer to see him, they were both initially denied access to him.
Upon seeing him, he found him weak and unable to speak, unsure of his existence.
Femi Oyinloye, defence counsel, filed an application to the court to reject the confessional statement that was previously admitted as an exhibit against the defendant.
“My lord, it would amount to miscarriage of justice if the confessional statement is admitted against my client,” Oyinloye said.
“My lord, the punishment attached to this matter is capital in nature and we cannot joke with it.
“I’ve noticed many contradictions in the confessional statement and my client’s testimonies.
Aderonke Imama, a prosecution lawyer, went against Oyinloye’s prayer, citing constitutional provisions to support her request.
Justice Akpan later adjourned the case till April 25 for a ruling on the application and continuation of the trial.