Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State declared on Wednesday that criminals would no longer find safe haven in the state, as his administration unveiled a state-of-the-art Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) to strengthen crime detection, investigation and prosecution.
Speaking at the facility’s commissioning at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu, Mbah said the centre marked a major leap in the state’s security architecture and would significantly enhance law enforcement agencies’ capacity to track and bring offenders to justice.
The Centre is a strategic partnership between the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.
Addressing criminals directly, the governor warned that advances in forensic science had narrowed their chances of escaping justice.
“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,” he said.
Mbah stressed that every crime scene leaves traces that can now be scientifically analysed and used as evidence in court.
“For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute offenders. Now they do. If you intend to harm our people, prey on our children or threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not previously exist,” he stated.
He added that while his administration had made significant progress in reducing crime, more work remained, necessitating continuous investment in technology and innovation to keep residents safe.
The governor described the forensic centre as one of the most important investments under his administration’s Citizens’ Charter, noting that security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment and social development depend.
According to him, the facility would not only serve Enugu State but also provide forensic services to security agencies, institutions and governments across Nigeria.
“This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders. It is our contribution to a justice system guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science,” he said.
Mbah also urged residents to cooperate with investigators by preserving crime scenes and avoiding actions that could contaminate critical evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, blood samples and other biological traces.
Earlier, the governor commended President Bola Tinubu for policies that have increased fiscal resources available to states and for supporting the proposed State Police Bill, which he said reflects a clear understanding of contemporary security realities.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the facility as a landmark investment that places Enugu and Nigeria on the path of advanced jurisdictions where forensic science plays a central role in security and justice administration.
According to him, the centre would provide law enforcement agencies with modern investigative tools, assist prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, and help courts reach just decisions.
“In an era when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities,” Fagbemi said.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the collaboration between the Enugu State Government and Godfrey Okoye University, describing the centre as a major boost to criminal investigations and public confidence in the justice system.
He said the facility would strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons and other serious crimes.
For the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP noted that the centre would provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, and professional development, while raising investigative standards nationwide.
“Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial and supported by credible evidence,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, and the Founding Director of the DNA Learning Centre, Prof. George Ude, hailed the project as a transformative intervention that would strengthen forensic science, support evidence-based justice and advance research and training in criminal investigation.
In a goodwill message, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, represented by Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, praised the partnership between the state government and the university, saying nation-building requires collaboration among government, educational institutions and faith-based organisations.
