ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared that criminals operating in the state will no longer have places to hide, following the establishment of advanced forensic and investigative capabilities aimed at enhancing crime detection and prosecution.
The governor issued the warning on Wednesday while commissioning the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), a collaborative initiative involving the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre.
The facility is located at the university’s campus in Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.
Mbah described the project as one of the most strategic investments made by his administration under its Citizens’ Charter agenda, stressing that development ambitions could only be achieved in a secure environment.
While noting that crime had reduced considerably under his administration, the governor said further efforts were necessary to sustain and deepen security gains.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the facility would enhance the state’s ability to investigate crimes, identify offenders, support law enforcement agencies, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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“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.
“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.
The governor also urged residents to adopt new practices that would preserve crime-scene evidence and improve investigations.
“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.
Mbah added that although the centre is situated in Enugu, it would be available for use by security agencies, professionals, organisations, and governments across Nigeria.
“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 said.
The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for policies he said had increased financial resources available to states and strengthened development efforts.
“These reforms have allowed more funds to flow to states, enabling us to develop infrastructure at scale, including strengthening our security,” he said.
He further commended the president’s transmission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, describing it as a demonstration of support for decentralised policing and a recognition of contemporary security realities.
Mbah noted that the partnership with Godfrey Okoye University reflected his administration’s vision of integrating educational institutions into practical solutions to societal challenges.
He praised Prof. Christian Anieke for fostering an environment conducive to learning and commended Prof. George Ude, founding director of the Centre, for his dedication to the project.
The event drew commendations from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; and the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, all of whom described the centre as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s security and justice systems.
In his remarks, Fagbemi said the establishment of CeDFoCI placed Enugu and Nigeria among jurisdictions that have incorporated forensic science into their security and justice frameworks.
“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 him, the facility would strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capabilities, provide law enforcement agencies with modern investigative tools, supply prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, and support courts in delivering fair judgments.
The IGP also applauded the collaboration between the state government and the university, saying the centre would improve police investigations and boost public confidence in the criminal justice system.
“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,” Disu stated.
He added that the facility would provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge sharing across police formations.
“Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial, and supported by credible evidence,” he said.