The Inspector-General of Police have praised the newly inaugurated DNA Centre in Enugu, describing it as a game-changing facility that will strengthen crime investigation, prosecution, forensic science, and justice delivery across Nigeria.
ENUGU, Nigeria – The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, have hailed the inauguration of the DNA Learning and Forensics Centre in Enugu, describing it as a transformative step toward modernising crime detection, criminal investigations, and justice delivery in Nigeria.
The Centre for DNA Forensic and Criminal Investigation (CEDFOCI), established through a partnership between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government, was inaugurated on Wednesday at the university’s main campus in Ugwuomu, Enugu.
Speaking during the ceremony, the IGP described the facility as a landmark achievement that reflects the impact of collaboration among government institutions, academia, and the scientific community in addressing national security challenges through innovation.
According to him, the centre represents a significant investment in knowledge, justice, research, and national development, while positioning Enugu State as a growing hub for science, technology, healthcare, and education.
Disu noted that modern policing has moved beyond reliance on eyewitness testimony and confessional statements, with criminal investigations increasingly driven by forensic science, intelligence gathering, technology, and evidence-based analysis.
He stressed that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges-including terrorism, kidnapping, homicide, armed robbery, cybercrime, and sexual offences-require sophisticated scientific tools capable of supporting effective law enforcement operations.
“DNA analysis has revolutionised criminal investigations globally. It enables law enforcement agencies to accurately identify offenders, exonerate innocent persons, establish family relationships, identify missing persons, and strengthen the administration of justice.
“Science speaks without fear or favour. It simply reveals the truth. For the Nigeria Police Force, this represents the future of professional policing,” he said.
The police chief commended Governor Peter Mbah, Godfrey Okoye University, the DNA Learning Centre, and other stakeholders whose efforts led to the establishment of the facility.
He described the centre as a strategic national asset that would serve not only Enugu State but also provide forensic support for security and justice institutions across Nigeria.
Disu further noted that the facility would inspire young Nigerians by demonstrating how science and innovation can be deployed to solve crimes, protect communities, and strengthen public institutions.
In his remarks, Fagbemi described the inauguration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to science, technology, and innovation-driven development.
According to the minister, the DNA centre demonstrates the country’s readiness to adopt cutting-edge scientific solutions to enhance justice administration, public safety, healthcare, and national development.
“Today marks far more than the opening of a laboratory. It represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of science, technology and innovation-driven development,” Fagbemi said.
The AGF noted that countries that have successfully reduced crime rates and strengthened public confidence in their justice systems have largely achieved such progress through science-based approaches to law enforcement and governance.
He explained that the facility would equip security agencies with modern investigative capabilities, provide prosecutors with reliable scientific evidence, and support courts in delivering fair, transparent, and accurate judgments.
Fagbemi added that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of leveraging technology, innovation, intelligence, and modern infrastructure to strengthen national security and drive sustainable economic development.
The inauguration of the DNA centre is widely regarded as a significant advancement in Nigeria’s forensic science ecosystem and a major boost to efforts aimed at improving criminal investigations, prosecution processes, and justice delivery nationwide.
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