Lagos State Governor, Mr
Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday unveiled the first DNA Forensic Centre in West
Africa, saying that the move would go a long way in resolving all form of
crimes, paternity issues and others through technology which is the modern trend
across the world.
Ambode said the completion and
handing over of the centre located at Odunlami Street in Lagos Island, was a
significant milestone and a symbolic manifestation of his administration’s
policies in reforming the justice sector and in line with his vision to make
the State safe for residents and investors.
He said the state government,
with the completion of the centre, was joining other advanced countries of the
world which had embraced technology to make life easier for people in all
spheres of existence.
He said: “From the domestic front
to our places of work; from the way we learn, to doing business, the use of
technology has become a way of life. You will therefore understand why our
administration had no hesitation in approving this project which serves amongst
other things, as an effective method of bringing perpetrators of crime to book
and ensuring quick dispensation of justice.”
The governor recalled that from
inception, his administration realised the fact that security was key to good
governance and sustainability of investment to make life better for the people,
a development he said necessitated the heavy investment in security equipment,
recruitment and training of security personnel to assist law enforcement
agencies in the maintenance of public peace and security.
The interventions, Ambode said,
had translated into tremendous success by the reduction in the incidents of
crimes in the State, adding that the DNA Centre was another move demonstrating
the State Government’s resolve to stay ahead of criminals through
scientific-led investigations.
Giving details of the DNA Centre,
the governor said the facility has capacity to provide the Police, Prosecutors,
Defense Attorneys and Private citizens with crime scene processing; serological
screening for blood and semen; DNA analysis of bone, teeth and hair; maternal
and paternal relationship DNA analysis; expert witness and case handling
services; paternal and maternal ancestry DNA analysis; cold case file review
and mass disaster human identification.
While assuring that the
government would not rest on its oars in coming up with initiatives to secure
the State, Governor Ambode said with the commissioning, the government would
now move to the second stage of building additional capacity in the areas of
Toxicology; Trace Evidence and Controlled Substance Analysis; Fingerprint and
Latent prints; Firearms, Ballistics and Tool Marks; Digital Forensics; and
Questioned Documents Examination.
According to him, “The
development of these other forensic sections at the facility will complement
the DNA forensic section and enhance the level of services offered today.
Before now, most, if not all DNA analysis and testing were performed outside
Nigeria, a situation that caused longer turn-around times and an overall higher
cost of bringing closure to a case.
“I am therefore convinced that
the establishment of the Lagos DNA & Forensic Centre will improve the speed
and quality of evidence collected to assist our Courts in the quick
dispensation of justice. This centre is a definite boost for our
administration’s Justice Sector reform programme. It shows that our covenant
with Lagosians to create a safe and secure State is being kept.”
State’s Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem said the centre would assist the
State to have a reliable DNA database that would enable investigators and law
enforcement officers identify crime patterns and suspects, and also help
exonerate or convict suspects.
On his part, the Consul General
of United States Embassy in Lagos, Mr John Bray congratulated Ambode and the
people of the State for successfully completing the building of “the first DNA
Forensic Centre not only in Nigeria but in West Africa,” saying that the
development would enhance justice and progress.
Bray, who had worked as a law
enforcement officer in United States for twenty-five years before being posted
to Lagos, said the state government deserved commendation for the foresight and
vision to undertake such project as the DNA Forensic centre, adding that there
was no question about the fact that the facility is of world class standard.
On his part, the Chief of Defence
Staff, Major General Abayomi Olonishakin represented by Rear Admiral Lawal Modu
Adams said the centre was a significant milestone in the country’s fight
against all forms of crime including terrorism.
Also, Lagos State Acting
Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal said the completion of the centre was
another first by the Lagos State Government and one of the greatest moves by
any state government towards boosting security and justice delivery.
He said with the opening of the
centre, the State Police Command would now reopen unresolved high-profile cases
hitherto frustrated by lack of solid evidence.
“I am perhaps the happiest person
here today because this will enhance my job. We have a lot of pending high
profile cases that we have not resolved yet. These cases, we intend to revisit
with this new centre coming on board,” the CP said.
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