Modernizing Nigerian Policing: PSC to integrate forensic, DNA studies

Stanley Ihedigbo

Police Service Commission (PSC) is set to revolutionize Nigerian policing by integrating forensic and DNA studies into investigations.

The move aimed to build a new police force for a new Nigeria, equipped with modern tools to tackle sophisticated crimes.

According to the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission believes that since crime has gone scientific and across national boundaries, there was a compelling need to embrace forensic and DNA studies.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, conveyed the Commission’s position when he received in the audience a delegation from the Center for Forensic Programmes and DNA Studies of the University of Benin led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Christopher Osunbor.

DIG Argungu said knowledge of forensic programmes and the use of DNA in investigations would go a long way in assisting the Police and the Commission as an oversight body in handling delicate criminal matters across the country.

He directed that the Director, of Human Resource Management and Director, of Legal Services of the Commission should immediately meet with the Center and get a Memorandum of Understanding in place for a partnership that would also be extended to the Nigeria Police Force.

The PSC Chairman said it is to the advantage of the Commission and the Nigeria Police to embrace forensic and DNA studies, adding that the knowledge is also valuable for all known professions as it is vital in policy formulation and implementation.

He said the Commission will partner with the Center for Forensic Programmes and DNA Studies (CEFPADS) of the University of Benin.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University came in the company of Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor, Director, of Forensics and DNA Centre, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, Deputy Registrar and Head of Public Relations and Protocol and Mr. Lucky Ikhalo, Deputy Registrar and Head Abuja Liason Office said the team was in the Commission to collaborate with it and through the Commission also collaborate with the Police in forging a partnership and exposing the two agencies of Government on the benefits of forensic Programmes and DNA studies.

Prof. Osubor said the Programmes of the Center are “critical to the kind of jobs security agencies are involved in”. He said the Center is also ready to offer services that are critical to the Commission’s mandate.

Prof. Ehikhamenor, the Director of the Center who gave an overview of the workings of the Center said its mandate was based on public-private partnership (PPP) with the intent to have a sustainable functioning molecular laboratory that is devoid of any strike or bureaucracy.

He said the objectives include building a sustainable bridge in forensics and DNA between the haves and have-nots in Nigeria to ensure appropriate conviction of criminals on all aspects of our development.

Prof. Ehikhamenor also said the Center is built to assist in developing a National DNA Database ” for research and crime investigations, provide a platform for all forensic screening during epidemics or pandemics of various pathogens like COVID-19, bacteria etc.

The Center aims to design academic curricula at the Diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral level for beneficiary Nigeria Universities. It also organizes forensic educational training with research to make them eligible to be certified as DNA analysts or Forensic analysts with support from “our partners in developed countries “.

The Director of the Center said the advantages of the Center include helping to establish the identity of mass casualties and unknown victims dead or alive and providing a template for regular capacity building for several stakeholders such as DSS, Police and the Military.

Prof. Ehikhamenor said the Center’s present goal is to provide annual slots of a range of 12 – 20 Police Officers admission at “our postgraduate level depending on the affordability of the Police; collaborate to perform forensic screening for alcohol and drugs for arrested suspects nationwide under investigation.