The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has urged the Federal Government to adopt forensic-driven governance to enhance accountability, transparency, and plug leakages in public finance. The institute warned that Nigeria faces grave dangers if it ignores the rising threats of sophisticated financial crimes.
Call for Forensic-Driven Governance
In a statement released yesterday, CIFCFIN emphasized that financial crimes have become more sophisticated, technology-driven, and transnational. Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges such as public finance leakages, weak project execution, and rising debt with limited development outcomes. The institute stressed that embracing forensics-driven governance is essential for strengthening the country's capacity for good governance and transparency.
Warning from CIFCFIN Leadership
The warning was issued by the CIFCFIN Founder and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, during the institute's induction of Fellows and Licensed Practitioners, as well as its 4th Annual General Meeting in Abuja. Represented by the institute's 1st Vice President, Dr. Johnson Oluata, Gashinbaki noted that since its Charter in 2022, CIFCFIN has remained a key stakeholder in Nigeria's anti-corruption framework, bridging law, science, governance, and accountability.
Dr. Oluata highlighted that the institute has continued to strengthen capacity and promote best practices in forensic investigation and fraud prevention through training, partnerships, and professional development. However, he lamented that the gap between public spending and actual development outcomes remains a major concern, noting that many projects funded across sectors in Nigeria have been abandoned.
Emphasis on Continuous Learning and Collaboration
In an era of cryptocurrency fraud, cybercrime, and complex financial manipulation, Dr. Oluata stressed that forensic professionals must stay ahead of emerging threats through continuous learning and innovation. He called for accountability at all levels of society, including individuals, institutions, and leadership. He further emphasized that capacity building is key, as CIFCFIN trains personnel to properly handle crime scenes, gather evidence, and carry out their duties professionally. Collaboration is also critical, as the institute maintains strategic relationships with relevant agencies and organizations to ensure a coordinated approach in tackling crime.
Insights from Other Officials
The Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Isa Salifu, noted that financial crimes require specialized analytical tools, including link analysis to trace relationships between past and present activities. A Council member and Chairman of Professional Training & Standards, Prof. Michael Ayeni, provided insights into the training process, revealing that participants were exposed to topics such as court proceedings, documentation processes, and assessment of burnt documents. He explained that even burnt documents can sometimes be recovered through forensic processes.
One of the newly inducted practitioners, Isa Doma, described the training as highly insightful and impactful, providing practical knowledge and modern techniques in forensic investigation, evidence handling, crime scene management, and analytical thinking.
