as
it would elucidate and establish the truth of what actually happened to Mr.
Nunugwo in detention and absolve the officials of the Respondent of liability
with regardto his death. Meanwhile, it is part of the defence ofthe Respondent
that
it
reported the death to the Police which has carried out
it's
own
investigations, so where is the report?
52.
The Respondent also admitted that late Mr. Nunugwo okalked into the
Commission" (EFCC) in good health. Thus, this goes to show that atthe time
of his arrest, he was in good health and showed no signs of any ailment.
Having established these facts, it therefore behooves the Respondent to give
a plausible explanation of Mr. Nunugwo's cause of death. In this wise, the
Court aligns itself with the position of the European Court wherein it held
that:
"Vf/here an individual is taken into custody in good health and dies at
the hands of the security forces, the obligation on the authorities to
accountfor the treatment of that individual
is
particularly stringent. In
assessing evidence, the Court has generally applied the standard
proof "beyond reasonable doubt". However,
frr*
of
proof may follow
the coexistence of sfficiently strong, clear and concordant
such
interferences or of similar unrebutted presumptions offact. Where the
events
in
issue lie wholly,
or in large part, within the exclusive
control in detention, strong presumptions offact will arise in respect of
injuries and death occurring during that detention. Indeed, the burden
of proof may be regarded as resting on the authorities to provide
satisfactory and convincing explanation". See SHAVADZE
GEORGIA (aptplication no.
para
72
080/ t 2) JUDGMENT I 9 November
2 02
v.
0
31.
N
ffi
{L-*
\