Police Officer Claims Memory Loss During Cross-Examination in Kebbi Court

ByEditor

Oct 28, 2025 #attempted armed robbery, #cross-examination, #EFCC, #Hussaini Bagudu, #IPO testimony, #Kebbi court, #Kebbi State High Court, #memory loss, #Nigeria judiciary, #Police Officer

Malik Yahya/

A mild drama played out at the Kebbi State High Court II, Birnin Kebbi, when a police investigation officer (IPO), Sergeant Balarabe Muhammad, told the court he could not recall certain details of his investigation, citing short-term memory loss.

The case involves Hussaini Bagudu, who is standing trial for attempted armed robbery and causing grievous hurt, offences punishable under Sections 285, 284(2b), and 286 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.

The matter is before Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar.

During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Barrister Marry Antak, called Sgt. Muhammad as a witness.

Before his testimony, she applied to the court to invoke Section 39(1) of the Evidence Act, explaining that the complainant could not appear in court.

While being cross-examined by defence counsel, Barrister Nura Bello, the police officer admitted he could not remember key details of the statement he obtained from the complainant.

When asked if he recorded the statement alone, Muhammad replied, “Can’t recall.”

Pressed further, he said, “I am the one who obtained the statement, but you know people have short- and long-term memory of thinking.” He later added, “That’s why I can’t recall whether it was only me and the complainant when I recorded the statement.”

After the cross-examination, the prosecution closed its case. The defence counsel requested an adjournment to allow the defendant to open his defence.

Justice Umar granted the request and adjourned the matter to November 5, for continuation of hearing.