Government to setup first DNA forensic lab in Nigeria

According to various media reports, the Lagos State government has concluded plans to establish the first ever high-powered DNA Forensic Laboratory in Nigeria. It is expected to take off within the next six to twelve months.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, made the announcement at a recent chat with journalists at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Lagos state.

Kazeem said that the lab, which would be called the Lagos State DNA Forensics Centre (LSDFC), when fully operational, would fulfill an unmet need for DNA profiling which is a unique forensic technique that is currently being used all over the world.

The Commissioner said the facility will focus on DNA analysis to support the justice sector in diverse areas such as “collection and preserving reference and evidentiary DNA which can later be used in identifying criminals; decoding familial relationships of individuals which could also be a tool for the judicial system; and identifying victims and remains after natural and manmade calamities.”

Furthermore, Kazeem said, “Even though the role of DNA in forensics, law enforcement and the justice sector is well known globally, a high-powered DNA analysis centre is not available in Nigeria. This means that most, if not all the DNA testing needs are performed outside Nigeria, a situation that leads to longer turnaround times and an overall higher cost of bringing closure to investigation and prosecution of crimes.”

The state attorney general also revealed that when operational, the centre will serve the DNA needs of the state, members of the public, other states and neighbouring countries, adding that it would all stakeholders including security agencies.

Kazeem said the Centre would be deployed for criminal investigation to identify criminals with incredible accuracy and exonerate suspects mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes.