…As Benue Govt, SPRING partner on Forensic evidence collection
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has stressed the significance of forensic science in combating crime in the state. The governor stated this on Friday at Nnam Hotel, Makurdi while declaring open a seminar on “Improving Access to Justice for Survivors and Victims: Best Practices in Forensic Evidence Collection, Preservation, and DNA Analysis”, organized by the Benue State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG)
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Moses Atagher, emphasized that forensic evidence has become a powerful tool in investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses.
“The fight against crime demands more than rhetorics. It requires professionalism, it requires collaboration and the use of other scientific tools that can ensure that the actual perpetrator is identified.
“Forensic evidence has become one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. The success or failure of a criminal case depends on the quality of evidence gathered and the early status of investigation. Proper crime scene management, careful collection and preservation of biological evidence and the use of DNA analysis can make a difference between impunity and accountability.
“It is therefore commendable that Benue State has been selected as a pilot state for this initiative being implemented in partnership with SPRAIN program. This reflects growing confidence in our commitment to justice sector reform and our readiness to adopt global best practices”
In his remarks, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, said the initiative aims to address the root causes of violence and promote trust in institutions. “Violence tends to breed through long violence,” he noted, citing Nigeria’s protracted conflicts. “The programme seeks to foster stakeholder ownership and promote science-based justice to reduce violence”, he added
SPRiNG, a UK-backed Programme, according to Dr Ukiwo aim to Boost Peace and Justice in Nigeria. “It is four-year programme led by Tetra Tech International Development which working to promote stability in Nigeria by supporting non-violent approaches to conflict resolution, security, justice, and natural resource management. The programme, which includes Benue State, adopts an evidence-based approach and focuses on six areas, including peacemaking, justice sector reform, and sustainable resource management”
According to him, the initiative is expected to enhance access to justice for victims and survivors of violence, and promote peace and stability in Nigeria.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese represented by Justice Theresa Igoche emphasized the importance of capacity building and continuous professional engagement in ensuring effective adjudication of cases involving forensic evidence. He noted that the judiciary recognizes the critical role of forensic science in establishing proof in criminal cases and that the seminar provides an important platform for sharing knowledge and best practices.
The Chief Judge of Benue State, Honourable Justice Maurice Ikpambesi, also emphasized the importance of capacity building and continuous professional engagement in ensuring effective adjudication of cases involving forensic evidence. He noted that the judiciary recognizes the critical role of forensic science in establishing proof in criminal cases and that the seminar provides an important platform for sharing knowledge and best practices.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yangien Ornguga, stressed that the integration of forensic science into investigative and prosecutorial processes will significantly improve case outcomes and access to justice for survivors. He assured that the Ministry of Justice remains committed to sustaining the initiative and ensuring that the knowledge gained translates into measurable impact.
The seminar is part of a broader effort to strengthen the administration of justice in Benue State and promote evidence-based practices in the justice sector. The SPRING Programme, which is supporting the initiative, is a four-year program aimed at promoting stability and peace in Nigeria through evidence-based approaches to conflict resolution and justice sector reform.
There were paper presentations on Power of Forensics in Modern Investigation; Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice: The Process; Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice: Comparative Experience from the United Kingdom; and Examination of Injuries in Serious Crimes with Emphasis on Injuries Sustained from Blunt Instruments by Mr. Roger Fawcus, a Senior Consultant, SPRiNG Programme; Mr. Kelvin Hurley, a Senior Consultant, SPRiNG Programme; Anthony Oluborade, a Solicitor; and Professor Ojo Babarinde, Chief Pathologist, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, respectively. They stressed that forensic science builds trust and safer communities as it helps judges in the dispensation of justice.
There were also goodwill messages from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Deborah Aber; Commissioner of Police, Benue State; Benue State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, among others.
The seminar provided a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in forensic evidence collection, preservation, and DNA analysis.
