Clearly, the woman was dreadfully aware of how many Nigerian citizens have had their reputations irreparably ruined by this process.

Typically, the suspect makes a full confession before the cameras, the bruises on their faces and the presence of stern security personnel leading you to wonder exactly what might have inspired the so-called admission of guilt.

For years, Nigerians have been treated to one such show after another, but this is hardly ever followed up by news of actual convictions.

The security agents appear more keen to be perceived as having done a good job, even when they may have little evidence to convict.

Similar dramas have been the major characteristic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s much touted anti-corruption war.

Prominent Nigerians accused of incredible levels of corruption have been filmed in handcuffs, the case against them detailed in the media, with public opinion immediately declaring them guilty.

Yet, almost four years after President Buhari took power, the majority of these alleged treasury looters still roam free.

Only a few mostly insignificant convictions have been recorded. The same has been the case for high-profile Boko Haram members captured and paraded by the military.

It is possible that these media parades are an attempt by the security personnel to squeeze water out of stone, to exact some punishment for offenders since the Nigerian judiciary is notoriously slow and riddled with corruption.

The reasoning seems to be “let’s ruin their reputation even if we can’t get a conviction”.

‘Dictatorial tendencies’

President Buhari has complained publicly about our country’s judiciary, which he appears to view as a stumbling block to his dealing with offenders.

In a keynote address at the annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in August, he said: “Rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.

“Where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.”

This comment and others like it led to outrage from Nigerians, many of whom are only too aware that our democratically elected president once presided over a military government characterised by a number of notorious decrees that violated human rights.