Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Forensic investigation is a critical aspect of solving crimes, including murders, in Nigeria. This research project aims to evaluate the challenges faced in forensic investigations and the high rate of unsolved murders in the country. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data from forensic experts, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders. The findings reveal several key challenges hindering effective forensic investigations in Nigeria. These challenges include inadequate funding for forensic facilities, limited access to modern forensic technology, a shortage of skilled forensic personnel, and the lack of proper coordination among different agencies involved in forensic investigations. Additionally, the research identifies issues such as poor crime scene management, lack of standardized protocols, and the absence of a comprehensive national forensic database as major obstacles to successful forensic investigations. Moreover, the study sheds light on the impact of these challenges on the rate of unsolved murders in Nigeria. The lack of proper forensic infrastructure and resources significantly hampers the ability of law enforcement agencies to gather and analyze crucial evidence in murder cases. This, in turn, leads to a high number of unsolved murders and a low conviction rate for perpetrators, thereby perpetuating a cycle of impunity and contributing to the overall insecurity in the country. The research also explores potential solutions to address these challenges and improve the effectiveness of forensic investigations in Nigeria. Recommendations include increased funding for forensic facilities, investment in modern forensic technology, training and capacity building for forensic personnel, and the establishment of a centralized national forensic database. Enhancing collaboration and coordination among relevant agencies and implementing standardized protocols for forensic investigations are also crucial steps towards improving the success rate of solving murders through forensic evidence. In conclusion, this research highlights the critical need to address the challenges facing forensic investigations in Nigeria to enhance law enforcement capabilities, increase the rate of solving murders, and ultimately improve public safety and security in the country. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Nigeria can strengthen its forensic infrastructure and pave the way for more effective criminal investigations and justice delivery.

Thesis Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The ancient Greeks and Romans were the first to practice forensic science. The system of criminal adjudication in ancient Roman societies consisted of the presentation of cases before a group of persons in the forum. Both parties were allowed to say their side of the story, after which the outcome of the case was determined based on the best argument. Despite the beliefs of forensics being used in ancient times, the concept of using science to combat crime did not develop until the late Middle Ages, particularly, during the frequency of human poisonings across Europe. This led to the practice where corpses were analyzed to check for toxic substances in the 19th century. 1 At some point, it became necessary to document the identity of offenders in order to identify repeat offenders. The first attempt to document the identities of offenders was called Anthropometry. It consisted of measuring and documenting the body (fingers, ears, head, legs, etc.) of the offender. However, due to similar characteristics and measurement errors, this was found to be unreliable and was replaced by Dactylography; the use of fingerprints for identification due to the uniqueness of finger prints, even in identical twins. In 1892, Francis Galton propounded upon calculation, that the chances of identical prints were 1 in 64 billion.2 This method has been extremely successful and is still used today. The next major advancement occurred in 1980 when scientists became able to decode human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is till date, a reliable way to link a suspect with a crime scene and also to identify human remains. The role of science in the criminal justice system increases daily. Evidence can be linked to its source through forensic science.

The term “forensic science” encompasses a wide range of disciplines, and each discipline with its own different practices. These disciplines present wide variability in regard to techniques and methodologies. Some of the disciplines are laboratory based (drug analysis, and toxicology), while other disciplines are based on interpretation of observed patterns by the experts (fingermarks, writings, tool marks). Some of the activities requires the expertise of people trained as scientists in analyzing them (chemists or biologists); also there other activities are conducted by both people trained in law enforcement and scientists (blood spatter experts, crime scene investigators, crime reconstruction experts), medicine (forensic pathologists), or laboratory methodologies by lab technologists. Empirical application of science is the main process that forensic scientists use. The main aim of forensic science is to gather intelligence and enable the judge in making decisions in court by means of a scientific approach through evaluation of evidence (Cardinetti and Cammarota, 2005:80).

Crime scene investigation is traced as far as 1750. It is in that year that Henry Fielding created a small group of volunteers in London, referred as the “Bow Street Runners”. These volunteers hurried to scenes of reported crimes and began investigations, thus becoming the first modern crime scene detectives (Swanson et al., 2003:4). Crime scene investigation, as it is known today, dates back to the 17th century in China, where a Chinese team of investigators evaluated crime scenes, examined physical evidence and interviewed witnesses and suspects (Owen, 2000:13). However, it was only during the 1970s that crime scene investigation gained popularity. In the 1970s many court decisions severely constrained investigators in their use of traditional interrogation techniques, and both scientists and investigators had to search for alternative sources to provide them with information. During these new developments investigators realised that the crime scene contains a tremendous amount of information. As a result, investigations today rely greatly on crime scene experts to gather clues and evidence to prove the crime and the suspect‟s involvement (Lee et al., 2001:20).