Crime scenes in Enugu just got a lot harder to walk away from. Governor Peter Mbah has unveiled a new DNA forensics hub that could change how justice is done in Nigeria.

Big moves on the security front in Enugu. On Wednesday, Governor Peter Mbah officially commissioned the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation, known as CeDFoCI for short. The goal is to track criminal activity faster, not just in Enugu State but across Nigeria.

The centre is a joint effort between the state government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre. The launch took place at the university’s Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu complex.

Speaking at the event, Mbah called the centre one of the most important investments his administration has made in the state’s security architecture. It’s all part of the Citizens’ Charter he campaigned on. Yes, crime has dropped significantly under his watch, he said, but there’s still more work to do.

“That is why we continue to invest, continue to innovate, and continue to strengthen the systems that keep our people safe,” Mbah explained. “That brings us to why we are here today.”

So what does CeDFoCI actually do? In short, it strengthens the state’s ability to investigate crimes, track down suspects, and back up law enforcement with hard science. As Mbah put it: “Every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence.”

But the governor also had a message for residents: the centre changes how everyone needs to behave at a crime scene. “Henceforth, when crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to carry out their work,” he said. “Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence. Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost.”

And while it’s based in Enugu, the facility isn’t just for Enugu. Mbah said it’s open to relevant agencies, organisations, professionals, and governments beyond the state’s borders.

He also gave a nod to President Bola Tinubu, saying federal reforms have sent more funds to states. That money has let Enugu scale up infrastructure, including security. The partnership with Godfrey Okoye University, he added, fits his broader vision of universities not sitting in ivory towers but actively helping solve real societal problems.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, was at the launch too. He said CeDFoCI puts Enugu and Nigeria on par with advanced jurisdictions that have woven forensic science into their justice systems.

“This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity,” Fagbemi noted. “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.”

Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, also praised the collaboration. For the police, he said, the centre is a major step forward. It will help investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other serious 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,” Disu said.

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