Let me tell you one truth that has saved many people from unnecessary wahala: your police statement can either save you or destroy you.
A lot of Nigerians don’t know this the moment you enter a police station, you’re already in a legal setting.Every word you say can be used against you in court, even if you didn’t mean it that way.
That’s why you must think before you write or speak.
Here are a few things you should NEVER say in a police statement:
- I was there but I didn’t do anything.That single line can turn you from a witness to a suspect. You just admitted presence at the scene of the crime. Lawyers call it implicating admission.
- It was just a small fight.
That small fight could legally be assault or affray depending on the damage done. Don’t minimize serious issues in your statement. - They told me to help them carry it.Carry what? You may have just admitted to handling stolen property or aiding a crime.
- I don’t even know what I signed.
That statement tells the court you made a voluntary confession. Ignorance is not an excuse under the law. - Never guess or assume.
If you don’t know, simply say I am not sure or I cannot confirm. Don’t fill in blanks for the police.
Remember, a police station is not a storytelling arena it’s a legal ground.
If you ever find yourself there, ask to speak with your lawyer before you make any statement.That’s your right, not a privilege.
Because as we say in pepper soup wisdom:
The mouth wey talk carelessly inside police station fit talk explanation tire inside court.
Source: Legal Matters with Bar Ronke Ahaotu
