In a significant endorsement of modern investigative techniques, a Justice of Nigeria's Supreme Court has declared forensic practice a fundamental pillar of the nation's justice administration system.
Forensic Science Moves to the Centre Stage
Justice Abraham Moore Adumein stated that the entire justice system relies on credible evidence, effective investigation, and proper case handling. He made this declaration at the second Founders' Day anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), held at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on December 4, 2025.
According to a statement from CIFCFIN, Justice Adumein stressed that forensic practice now provides clarity, supports evidence-based conclusions, and strengthens accountability. "Forensic practice supports this directly and indirectly, strengthening both operational processes and institutional integrity," the Supreme Court Justice was quoted as saying.
CIFCFIN's Impact and Call for Legal Reform
Justice Adumein commended the institute for introducing modern techniques to combat digital offences, cyber threats, and other emerging crimes. He noted that CIFCFIN engages with international investigative frameworks and advocates for their adoption in sensitive national processes like electoral system management and public sector reforms.
He highlighted that these practices must be guided by credible reports, transparency, and professionalism. One of the institute's most notable achievements, he added, is the training and capacity building of over 5,000 forensic professionals across Nigeria and beyond since its inception.
"This is no small effort. It has deepened institutional knowledge, expanded professional competence, and enhanced our ability to respond to complex realities," Justice Adumein stated. He concluded that the institute's work has positioned both public and private organisations to adopt structured forensic methodologies, strengthening transparency and improving resilience against sophisticated threats.
Founder Calls for FOI Act Update
In his keynote address, the Founder and Chairman of CIFCFIN's Governing Council, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, described the institute's second anniversary as a reflection on its role as a national pillar against corruption, financial crimes, and systemic decay.
He asserted that the establishment of CIFCFIN stands as one of the most significant interventions in Nigeria's anti-corruption architecture and the broader criminal justice system. Dr. Gashinbaki therefore called on the Federal Government to review the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to reflect today's realities.
He argued that in an era where corruption has become digitally sophisticated, access to timely, accurate, and unimpeded information is essential for effective forensic investigation and national accountability. This legal update, he implied, is critical for forensic professionals to perform their duties in the modern landscape.
