Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared that criminals operating within the state now have “nowhere to hide,” following the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), designed to strengthen crime detection, investigation, and prosecution.
The governor made the declaration on Wednesday during the commissioning of the facility at Godfrey Okoye University, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu. The centre is a collaborative initiative between the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.
The event attracted key stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice and security sectors, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mbah described the forensic centre as one of the most strategic investments his administration has made in strengthening the state’s security architecture, stressing that security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, and development thrive.
“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,” the governor said.
He explained that the facility would significantly improve the state’s capacity to investigate crimes, identify suspects through scientific evidence, and support law enforcement agencies in securing convictions.
According to him, the centre would enhance efforts to track criminals through DNA analysis and other forensic tools, making it increasingly difficult for offenders to evade 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.
“To the criminals, I say this: every crime scene leaves a trace. We can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you,” Mbah stated.
The governor noted that for many years, numerous criminal cases remained unresolved due to the absence of modern forensic capabilities, adding that the new facility would bridge that gap and transform criminal investigations in the state.
He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by preserving crime scenes whenever incidents occur.
“When crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to do 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 warned.
Mbah stressed that although the facility is located in Enugu, its services would be available 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 building a justice system guided by evidence, science, and truth,” he added.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing reforms that have increased financial resources available to states, enabling investments in infrastructure and security.
He further praised the President’s support for the proposed State Police Bill, describing it as a bold step toward addressing contemporary security challenges through decentralised policing.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, described the centre as a landmark development for Nigeria’s justice system and forensic science sector.
“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,” he said.
According to the AGF, the facility will strengthen criminal investigations, provide prosecutors with reliable scientific evidence, and improve the quality of judicial outcomes.
“At a time when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, our security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities,” he added.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the centre would significantly enhance police investigations into serious crimes, including kidnapping, terrorism, homicide, armed robbery, human trafficking, and sexual offences.
“For the Nigeria Police Force, this centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations and improve investigative standards across the country,” Disu stated.
He added that forensic-based investigations would boost public confidence in the criminal justice system by ensuring transparency, objectivity, and evidence-driven outcomes.
The Founding Director and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DNA Learning Centre, Prof. George Ude, explained that the institution was established to ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are anchored on scientific evidence rather than speculation.
He noted that the centre would also serve as a hub for training forensic experts, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, researchers, and students while advancing research in forensic genetics and molecular biology.
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 Godfrey Okoye University, describing it as a model for national development.
“The task of nation-building cannot be left to government alone. While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security,” he said.
The commissioning of the forensic centre marks a major milestone in Enugu State’s drive to leverage technology and science in combating crime, strengthening justice delivery, and improving public safety.