Lack of forensic science affecting Nigeria’s security, justice

Experts have identified the lack of adequate application of forensic science in investigations as one of the reasons for the high rate of insecurity and slow justice delivery in Nigeria.

 The experts spoke at the two-day workshop by the Association of Forensic Professionals of Nigeria (AFPN) which was held in Abuja this week with the theme ‘The Place of Forensics in Nigeria’s Justice System’.

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 In his address, the President of AFPN, Mr Churchill Torru, also attributed the poor development indices and increasing rate of poverty to the inability to use forensics to mitigate the impact of election malpractices for good leadership. 

 He said forensic is when experts analyse and examine evidence, whether tangible, intangible, transaction, or communication and crime scenes to develop objective findings that assist in the investigation, litigation/prosecution.  

 “The third pillar encourages all arms of the justice system to embrace the use of forensic science for the effective and efficient discharge of their roles, which includes investigation, litigation, and judiciary, in the administration of justice as well as fight against crime and social vices,” he said.

 In a paper, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called for the full integration of biometrics in the investigation and prosecution of cases in the country’s justice system to curb the growing criminality, especially in urban centres.

 Ibrahim, who was represented by his chief of staff, Barr Grace Ikhuoya Ofonime Ukpong, said the use of forensics would also help to clear innocent people illegally accused of a crime.

 “It is hoped that Nigeria will follow in the footsteps of other countries which are making considerable use of forensics in criminal matters to enhance profiling processes,” she said.