An Analysis of Ferdi Sambo’s Statements after Handover to the Prosecutor’s Office: A Speech Act Perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the public statements made by Ferdi Sambo following his handover to the prosecutor’s office in the context of a high-profile legal case. The research using Kreidler’s taxonomy of speech acts that categorizes into assertives, performatives, verdictives, expressives, directives, commissives, and phatic utterances to explore their functional roles. Data were collected from verified transcripts, media reports, and official documents, employing qualitative content analysis, thematic analysis, and contextual analysis to uncover the intentions behind Sambo’s rhetoric. The findings reveal that his statements are strategically crafted, blending expressions of remorse, assertions of innocence, and commitments to accountability to manage legal and public perceptions. Commissives underscore his acceptance of legal consequences, while assertives and expressives serve to justify his actions and evoke empathy. This study highlights the intricate interplay of language, legal strategy, and public narrative, illustrating how speech acts can shape outcomes in contentious legal and societal contexts.