Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has warned that criminals can no longer hide in the state. His government has strengthened its ability to prevent, track, and punish criminals.
Mr Mbah shared this message on Wednesday during the opening of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI). This centre is a partnership between the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre. It is located at the university’s complex in Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.
During the event, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof Christian Anieke, praised Governor Mbah's efforts in improving security. They described the Centre as a major boost for national security and the justice system.
Governor Mbah called the Centre a significant investment in the state’s security plans. He emphasized that none of his administration's goals would be possible without security. He noted that while crime has dropped, more work is needed.
"That is why we continue to invest, continue to innovate, and continue to strengthen the systems that keep our people safe. That brings us to why we are here today.
"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 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.
"For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute you. Now they do.
"Therefore, if you intend to harm our people, if you intend to prey on our children, if you intend to threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not previously exist.
"This Centre changes what is possible. It strengthens our ability to follow the evidence, identify those responsible, and support the work of law enforcement with world-class forensic science.
"So, Enugu is open to investors. Enugu is open to innovators. Enugu is open to people who want to build, create, and contribute.
"But for those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our people, the message is very simple: you can run, but you cannot hide," he stated.
Mr Mbah also pointed out that the Centre brings new responsibilities for Enugu residents.
"Henceforth, when crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to carry out their work.
"Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence. Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost," he explained.
He added that even though the Centre is in Enugu State, it is open for use by agencies, organizations, and governments outside the state.
"This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders. It is our contribution to the quest for a justice system that is guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science," he stressed.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his strong policies, saying, "these reforms have allowed more funds to flow to states, enabling us to develop infrastructure at scale, including strengthening our security."
He also mentioned Tinubu's recent submission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly. He said this shows Tinubu’s support for allowing states to manage their own police.
"Again, through his recent transmission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, Mr President boldly demonstrates his support for the devolution of policing responsibilities to states, and a clear appreciation of the realities of modern security management," he added.
He said working with Godfrey Okoye University fits his government’s goal of connecting schools to the challenges of society.
"I commend the Vice Chancellor for nurturing an environment that is wholly conducive to learning and Prof. George Ude, Founding Director of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, for his commitment to excellence and for lending his expertise to this project," he concluded.
The Attorney General of the Federation stated, "The establishment of CeDFoCI places Enugu and Nigeria on the path of advanced jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into the core of their security and justice architecture.
"This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity. It will equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools for criminal investigation, provide prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, assist the courts in reaching just outcomes, and improve the overall administration of criminal justice.
"Again, in an era when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities," he asserted.
The IGP praised the state and university’s partnership, saying CeDFoCI will boost police work and build trust among citizens.
"For the Nigeria Police Force, this Centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes.
"This Centre will equally provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge exchange that will continue to improve investigative standards across our police formations.
"Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial, and supported by credible evidence," he stated.
Prof. George Ude, the Founding Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DNA Learning Centre, DNALA, explained that their goal is to ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are based on scientific truth. They aim to support courts with reliable forensic findings and train law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, medical professionals, students, and early-career researchers.
In his message, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Calistus Onaga, represented by Rev Fr. Victor Eze, praised the cooperation between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government. He said nation-building is a collective effort.
"While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security," he maintained.
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