Mbah commissions DNA forensics centre, warns criminals to stay away from Enugu
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Wednesday commissioned the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), declaring that the state now possesses advanced forensic capabilities to track, investigate and prosecute criminals.
The facility, established through a partnership between the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre, was inaugurated at the university’s complex in Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu. The event was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah described the centre as one of the most important investments in the state’s security architecture, noting that while crime had reduced significantly, his administration would continue to strengthen security systems and adopt innovative approaches to protect residents.
“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,” he said.
The governor urged residents to preserve crime scenes and promptly alert security agencies whenever incidents occur, warning that evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, blood samples and strands of hair could be lost if tampered with.
Mbah added that although the facility is located in Enugu, it would serve security agencies, institutions and governments across Nigeria. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for reforms that have increased resources available to states and for transmitting the State Police Bill to the National Assembly.
In his remarks, Fagbemi described the centre as a major boost to Nigeria’s justice and security architecture, saying it would enhance forensic science capacity, support law enforcement investigations and strengthen the prosecution of criminal cases through credible scientific evidence.
For his part, IGP Disu also hailed the initiative, noting that it would improve investigations into crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, homicide, armed robbery and human trafficking. The Founding Director of the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre, Prof. George Ude, said the facility would support criminal investigations, forensic research and professional training, while the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, commended the partnership as a model for nation-building.
