Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday commissioned
what he described as the first state-owned DNA Forensic Centre in West
Africa, saying the move would go a long way in resolving all forms of
crimes, paternity issues and others issues through technology which is
the modern trend across the world.
Governor 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, is
joining other advanced countries of the world which had embraced
technology to make life easier for people in all spheres of existence.
Mr. Ambode 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 that security was key to good governance and sustainability of
investment to make life better for the people.
He said that 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, Governor Ambode said, had translated into
tremendous success by the reduction in crimes in the state, adding that
the DNA Centre underlined 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, defence 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.
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 analyses and testings 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,” Governor Ambode said.
In his welcome address, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner
for Justice, 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,
John Bray, congratulated Governor 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 the development would
enhance justice and progress.
Mr. Bray, who had worked as a law enforcement officer in United
States for 25 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, 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, 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,” Mr. Edgal said.