The Enugu State Government on Wednesday commissioned the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI). The Center strengthens the ability to investigate crime scenes, follow evidence, identify those responsible, and support law enforcement with world-class forensic science.
The Center for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) was established by a strategic partnership between the Enugu State Government, the Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Center. The Centre is located in Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu Campus, Nike, in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Center, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, warned criminals that there is no escape from justice for them, even as he called on residents to stay clear of crime scenes to avoid interfering with evidence, but to notify law enforcement agents promptly.
Dr. Peter Mbah further described the Centre as one of the most important investments made by his administration in the area of the state’s security.
“The Centre strengthens our ability to investigate crime, track criminals, support the work of law enforcement, and ensure that those who threaten the peace of our communities have fewer and fewer places to hide.”
“So, to the criminals, I say this: every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you.”
“For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute you. Now they exist. So if you intend to harm our people, if you intend to prey on our children, if you intend to threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not previously exist.”
“So, Enugu is open to investors. Enugu is open to innovators. Enugu is open to people who want to build, create, and contribute. But for those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our people, the message is very simple: you can run, but you cannot hide,” the Governor reiterates.
“Henceforth, when crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to carry out their work.”
“Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence. Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost,” Mbah warns residents who may not be conversant with the workings of the forensic technology.
“This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders. It is our contribution to the quest for a justice system that is guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science,” Mbah advocates.
The Enugu State Governor, commending the Vice Chancellor of the Godfrey Okoye University, said the partnership became a reality because of a shared vision to create an ecosystem in which learning institutions are not isolated from society’s challenges but are active participants in solving them.
“I commend the Vice Chancellor for nurturing an environment that is wholly conducive to learning and Prof. George Ude, Founding Director of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, for his commitment to excellence and for lending his expertise to this project,” he concluded.
In his speech, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, said, “The establishment of CeDFoCI places Enugu and Nigeria on the path of advanced jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into the core of their security and justice architecture.”
“This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity. It will equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools for criminal investigation, provide prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, assist the courts in reaching just outcomes, and improve the overall administration of criminal justice.”
“Again, in an era when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities,” he asserted.
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, IGP, while commending the state and university’s collaboration, said CeDFoCI would strengthen the police’s capacity and work and build citizens’ confidence in the system.
“For the Nigeria Police Force, this Center represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offenses, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes.”
“This Centre will equally provide opportunities for specialized training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge exchange that will continue to improve investigative standards across our police formations.”
“Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial, and supported by credible evidence,” IGP Disu stated.
Meanwhile, the Founding Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DNA Learning Centre, DNALA, Prof. George Ude, says the institution was established to, among others, ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are guided by scientific truth; support courts with reliable, defensible forensic findings; anchor justice in evidence rather than uncertainty; train law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, medical professionals, students, and early-career researchers; and advance research in forensic genetics, informatics, and molecular biology.
In his goodwill message, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, represented by Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, commended the collaboration between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government, noting that the task of nation-building could not be left to government alone.
“While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security,” Bishop Onaga postulates.
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