A bill to give legal backing for private investigators in the country failed to pass second reading in Senate Wednesday for fear that such recognition will empower private individuals to pry into the private lives of perceived opponents.
By Haruna Salami
A bill to give legal backing for private investigators in the country failed to pass second reading in Senate Wednesday for fear that such recognition will empower private individuals to pry into the private lives of perceived opponents.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to prescribe Standard and Conditions of licence for operation and practice of Private Investigators in the country”, the sponsor, Senator Osita, Ngwu (Enugu West) said private investigators are vital segment of the civil and criminal justice administration and law enforcement across the globe.
Leading the debate on the bill, Senator Ngwu said private investigators could be used in various capacities. While some specialise in tracing, others specialise in Technical Surveillance Counter Measure (ISCM) which is the locating and dealing with unwanted forms of electronic surveillance (for example, a bugged boardroom for industrial espionage purposes).
“This type of service is typically conducted by those with background in intelligence/counter intelligence, executive protection and law enforcement.
He listed the objectives of the Bill includes:- “fraud prevention, detection, assessment and resolution; corporate fraud and risk management services; insurance fraud and claims investigation and aviation accident and loss investigation;
Others are “marine loss investigation, occupational health and safety incident investigation; witness location and bail bond defaulters; etc.
The Bill was supported by senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Neda Imaseun (Edo South) and the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno (Borno North), stc.
Senator Umeh said the bill is a well thought out bill to fill the gaps left by EFCC, ICPC, Police etc.
According to him, “when due diligence is applied, a lot of high profile crimes will no longer be swept under the carpet. It is no longer for everybody’s whims and caprices”.
Senator Imaseun, on his part said “it’s best practice over the world”.
However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) dealt a deadly blow to the bill when he vehemently opposed it saying “it will be wrong for them to create an open ended body” that will have the power to pry into people’s privacy and could be a willing tool in the hands of political enemies.
Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central) followed suite by saying the bill is a duplication of efforts as, according to him, every lawyer can investigate any matter”.
Senator Tutu Zam (Benue North-West) said “I rise to express my strong reservation as the country has enough investigators. Our country is a growing one with a nascent democracy.
“Our country is divided on ethnic, religious and political lines and your enemies can use your opponents against you”.
Salifu Mustapha, senator representing Kwara Central, in opposing the bill said the developed countries like the US and UK being seen as those using private investigators, “there is a debate on the use of private investigators who pry into private lives”.
He said certain conditions like the existence of national forensic institute needed to be in place” to streamline evidence to be put forward by a private investigator.
When the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio saw where the majority was going, he gave the sponsor of the bill the option of putting the question or he humbly withdraw the bill by himself for further legislative action, a euphemism for killing a bill and a soft landing for the Enugu senator.
Senator Osita Ngwu understood the parliamentary language and opted to withdraw the bill, which was a face saving device for him.
