Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared that criminals operating in the state no longer have anywhere to hide, following the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation designed to strengthen crime detection and prosecution.
The governor issued the warning on Wednesday while commissioning the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), a collaborative initiative of the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre at the university’s Ugwuomu, Nike campus.
The event also drew commendations from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, who described the facility as a major boost to Nigeria’s security and justice system.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah said the forensic centre represents one of the most strategic investments of his administration in strengthening Enugu’s security architecture and delivering on the promises contained in his Citizens’ Charter.
According to the governor, although his administration has made significant progress in reducing crime, continuous investment in technology and innovation remains essential.
“That is why we continue to invest, continue to innovate, and continue to strengthen the systems that keep our people safe. That brings us to why we are here today.
“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 do.
“Therefore, 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.
“This Centre changes what is possible. It strengthens our ability to follow the evidence, identify those responsible, and support the work of law enforcement with world-class forensic science.
“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 also urged residents to adopt new practices at crime scenes to preserve vital forensic evidence.
“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 stressed that although the facility is located in Enugu, it is designed to serve law enforcement agencies, governments and organisations across Nigeria.
“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.”
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for reforms he said have empowered states to undertake large-scale development projects, including investments in security.
“These reforms have allowed more funds to flow to states, enabling us to develop infrastructure at scale, including strengthening our security.
“Again, through his recent transmission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, Mr President boldly demonstrates his support for the devolution of policing responsibilities to states, and a clear appreciation of the realities of modern security management.”
Mbah further described the partnership with Godfrey Okoye University as part of his administration’s vision of making academic institutions active contributors to solving societal challenges.
“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.”
The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the establishment of the centre positions Enugu and Nigeria alongside jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into modern criminal justice administration.
“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.”
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu described the centre as a game-changer for policing and criminal investigations in Nigeria.
“For the Nigeria Police Force, this Centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes.
“This Centre will equally provide opportunities for specialised 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.”
Founding Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DNA Learning Centre, Prof. George Ude, said the facility was established to ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are driven by scientific evidence.
According to him, the centre will support courts with reliable forensic findings, provide advanced training for law enforcement officers and forensic experts, and promote research in forensic genetics, molecular biology and informatics.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, Rev. Fr. Victor Eze commended the collaboration between the Enugu State Government and Godfrey Okoye University.
“While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security.”
The commissioning of the DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation Centre marks a significant milestone in Enugu’s drive to leverage science and technology to combat crime, strengthen investigations and improve public confidence in the criminal justice system.
