VIDEO: Stop holding suspects beyond 24 hours, says FCT CP

The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ahmed Sanusi, has issued a stern warning to his officers, directing them to cease holding suspects in custody beyond the constitutionally stipulated 24-hour period. The directive emphasizes the importance of adhering to standard procedures for suspect handling and case file management.

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Avoid prolonged detention. If you have somebody that you got detained beyond 24 hours, get a warrant for such person. Quickly tidy up your cases, make sure your case files are well vetted.

Sanusi clarified that any officer requiring to detain a suspect for longer than 24 hours must first obtain a court warrant authorizing the extended detention. He urged officers to expedite case preparations, ensuring that case files are thoroughly vetted and ready for judicial review. The commissioner also mandated the recording of confessional statements and ensured detainees have access to legal representation, family visits, and necessary medication.

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It does not show that you are working, that you are stupid. Because how can you keep somebody five days, six days, you have not done anything, case file is not ready, you are not ready to charge the court, that means you are not working.

"It does not show that you are working, that you are stupid," Sanusi stated, criticizing the practice of holding suspects for days without concluding investigations. He argued that such delays reflect poorly on the officers involved and are indicative of a lack of diligence rather than thoroughness. He characterized prolonged detention without progress as "gross irresponsibility."

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So keeping them for too long doesn’t mean you are working; it doesn’t show that you are working; it just shows that you are grossly irresponsible. So I urge you to change; don’t allow us to force you to change.

The commissioner pledged the command's support for officers who diligently follow due process, promising to protect them from intimidation. However, he made it clear that this support is contingent upon officers upholding proper legal procedures. Sanusi urged officers to change their practices voluntarily, stating that the command would not hesitate to enforce compliance.

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If you do these things, I believe we are good and we will continue to defend you, we won’t allow anybody who will hate you or touch you if you are doing the right thing. We will stand by you once you do the right thing.