International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Forensic Science Enabled Crime Fighting Mechanism in Nigeria
Ajibola O. OLANIYI
Department of Criminology and Security Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract: Forensic science is one of the best ways to fight and resolve almost all manners of crime. The need to know the preparedness of the institutions saddled with the responsibilities of combating crime in our societies becomes extremely important to the enthronement of forensics in Nigeria. Without forensic science in criminal trials justice will continue to elude us as nation. The study relies on the Locard Exchange Theory. The article examines the Oyo State Police Command and three other sister agencies’ (NSCDC, EFCC and NDLEA) preparedness in using four major forensic methods in combating crime in the state in line with their constitutional mandates. Four key informants were interviewed and three focus group discussions were conducted. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results indicated that the facilities on ground are grossly inadequate and there are not enough qualified personnel to carry out forensic investigation services. The study concluded that 21st century crime combating using methods of forensic science is still very poor in Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole. It therefore suggests government, private organizations, researchers and scholars should synergize with law enforcement agencies to make forensic science an effective technique in detecting and combating crime in Nigeria.
Keywords: Forensic science, Preparedness, Crime fighting mechanism, Law enforcement, Fingerprint
I. INTRODUCTION
Forensic science is one of the most effective tools useful in criminal investigation. It is capable of providing scientific information especially in judicial matters within the criminal justice system. This is evident in the definition of Kalayci, Özbek-Yazici, & Küpeli, (2014), which says it is a service to justice by evaluating judicial events with trauma within the principle of science. Anderson (2013), defines it as the application of sciences to civil and criminal laws being enforced by the police agency in the criminal justice system, while Roncacè & Nicosia (2016) say it is any branch of science which applies scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime. Forensics have shown to be the required help that the criminal justice system needs in order to achieve its set goals and objectives in the avoidance of wrongful/miscarriage of justice since forensics do not lie.
Crime fighting mechanism is contextualized to include crime prevention and control which is the overall goal of the security agencies and thus in line with that of the study. It requires accurate prediction of criminogenic factors that predispose an environment or individuals to commit crime. Crime control mechanism on the other hand has to do with adequate measures put in place to prevent escalation of crime in the society (Robert 2003; Siegel, 2008; Adebayo, 2013