ABUJA, Nigeria — Stakeholders in Nigeria’s criminal justice system have called for the adoption of forensic intelligence and advanced criminal investigation tools to bridge prosecution gaps, enhance justice delivery, and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to secure convictions in complex criminal cases.
The call was made during a two-day stakeholders’ forum on forensic intelligence and criminal investigation, organised by the National Human Rights Commission in partnership with development partners. The forum brought together judges, prosecutors, police investigators, forensic experts, and civil society representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities in leveraging forensic science for more effective prosecution.
Participants noted that despite significant investments in law enforcement and judicial infrastructure, Nigeria continues to face challenges in securing convictions, particularly in cases involving financial crimes, terrorism, cybercrime, and other complex offences. They identified the lack of forensic intelligence capacity and inadequate use of advanced investigative tools as major contributors to the high rate of case withdrawals and acquittals.
Forensic intelligence involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence to support criminal investigations and prosecutions. It encompasses a range of disciplines, including DNA analysis, digital forensics, ballistics, and crime scene reconstruction. Stakeholders noted that the integration of forensic intelligence into the criminal justice process could significantly improve the quality of evidence presented in court and increase the likelihood of successful prosecutions.
The forum highlighted several challenges that have hindered the effective use of forensic intelligence in Nigeria, including inadequate funding, insufficient training for investigators and prosecutors, poor infrastructure, and limited access to modern forensic technology. Participants called on the federal and state governments to invest in the modernisation of forensic laboratories, the training of forensic professionals, and the establishment of standardised protocols for the collection and analysis of evidence.
Stakeholders also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration and information sharing among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and forensic experts. They noted that siloed approaches to investigation and prosecution often result in missed opportunities to leverage forensic evidence and build stronger cases.
The forum also called for the review of existing legal frameworks to ensure that they adequately support the admissibility and use of forensic evidence in court. Participants urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Forensic Evidence Bill, which seeks to establish a legal framework for the collection, preservation, and presentation of forensic evidence in Nigerian courts.
The stakeholders further stressed the need for continuous training and capacity building for judges, prosecutors, and police investigators on the use of forensic intelligence. They noted that forensic evidence is only as effective as the professionals who interpret and present it, and that the lack of expertise in this area remains a significant gap in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
As the forum concluded, stakeholders agreed to develop a roadmap for the integration of forensic intelligence into Nigeria’s criminal justice system, with a focus on improving prosecution outcomes and ensuring that justice is served. For now, the call for forensic intelligence represents a critical step towards strengthening the rule of law and enhancing public confidence in the justice system.
