A mild drama played out at the Kebbi State High Court II, Birnin Kebbi, when a Police Investigation Officer (IPO), Sgt. Balarabe Muhammad, acknowledged memory lapses during cross-examination.
As reported by Leadership newspaper, The case involves Hussaini Bagudu, standing trial for attempted armed robbery and causing grievous hurt, offences punishable under sections 285, 284 sub-2B, and 286 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law 2021.
The proceedings, presided over by Honourable Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar, saw the prosecution counsel, Barrister Mary Antak, call Sgt. Muhammad to testify. Prior to his testimony, the prosecution requested the court to invoke section 39 sub-1 of the Evidence Act, as the complainant could not appear in court.
During cross-examination by the defence counsel, Barrister Nura Bello, the IPO admitted he could not recall certain details about the statement he obtained from the complainant.
When asked if he recorded the complainant’s statement alone, Muhammad replied, “I can’t recall.”
Pressed further, he stated, “I am the one who obtained the statement, but you know people have short and long-term memory of thinking.”
He added, “That’s why I can’t recall whether it was only me and him when I recorded the complainant’s statement.”
Following Sgt. Muhammad’s testimony, the prosecution closed its case.
The defence counsel subsequently applied for an adjournment to allow the defendant to present his defence.
Honourable Justice Nusirat Ibrahim Umar granted the request and adjourned the matter to November 5, 2025, for the continuation of hearing.
