AN EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES OF FORENSIC INVESTIGATION AND UNSOLVED MURDERS IN NIGERIA

Project Abstract

ABSTRACT Forensic investigation plays a crucial role in solving criminal cases, including murders. However, in Nigeria, there are significant challenges that hinder the effectiveness of forensic investigations, leading to a high rate of unsolved murders. This research project aims to evaluate the challenges faced in forensic investigations and their impact on the resolution of murder cases in Nigeria. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with forensic experts, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders involved in criminal investigations. The quantitative analysis will focus on examining the trends in unsolved murder cases in Nigeria over the past decade, identifying common patterns and factors contributing to the lack of resolution. This analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of forensic investigations in the country. The qualitative component of the study will involve in-depth interviews with forensic experts and professionals to gather their insights on the challenges they face in conducting investigations and processing evidence. These interviews will help identify specific issues such as inadequate training, lack of resources, outdated technology, and procedural bottlenecks that impede the effectiveness of forensic investigations. Furthermore, the research will explore the legal and institutional framework surrounding forensic investigations in Nigeria, examining the existing policies, regulations, and practices governing the field. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, the study aims to provide recommendations for improving the forensic investigation process and enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to solve murder cases. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on forensic investigations in Nigeria and offer practical insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and forensic professionals seeking to enhance their capabilities in solving murder cases. By addressing the challenges identified in this study, the criminal justice system in Nigeria can improve its effectiveness in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing closure to the families of victims of unsolved murders. Overall, this research project will shed light on the obstacles faced by forensic investigators in Nigeria and propose strategies to overcome these challenges, ultimately leading to a more efficient and reliable forensic investigation process in the country.

Project Overview

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY1.1 INTRODUCTIONThe 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).