Lagos Chief Judge Alogba Champions Forensic Science for Justice Reform
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has strongly reaffirmed the judiciary's unwavering commitment to embracing forensic science as a critical and indispensable tool for strengthening justice delivery in Nigeria. This declaration comes as preparations intensify for the forthcoming global summit organized by the International Academy of Forensic in partnership with The Guardian newspaper.
Embracing Scientific Advancements in Legal Systems
Receiving a delegation from the academy and representatives of The Guardian at his office within the Ikeja High Court, Alogba emphasized that the evolution of legal systems must keep pace with rapid scientific advancements to ensure fairness, accuracy, and efficiency in adjudication processes. "As science advances, so too must our legal systems evolve," he stated, noting that the integration of forensic innovation into Nigeria's justice architecture is essential for building a more just, equitable, and transparent society.
The summit, scheduled to hold from June 22 to 26, 2026, is themed: "Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence: Strengthening the Administration of Justice in the Age of Technological Advancement." Alogba acknowledged the limitations inherent in Nigeria's adversarial legal system, where judges are confined to evaluating only the evidence presented before them and are prohibited from conducting independent investigations. According to him, this reality underscores the paramount importance of credible, scientifically grounded evidence in aiding judicial decision-making and ensuring robust outcomes.
Addressing Gaps in Training and Infrastructure
Alogba explained that judges are duty-bound to remain impartial arbiters, relying solely on facts and legal arguments presented by parties. Where a judge possesses prior knowledge not shared by litigants, he or she must step aside to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. Within this framework, the Chief Judge said forensic science offers a powerful means of bridging evidentiary gaps and enabling courts to arrive at more accurate and reliable conclusions, thereby enhancing public trust in the legal system.
However, he expressed significant concern over gaps in specialised training across the justice sector, particularly in handling sensitive cases such as sexual offences and family disputes. These areas, he noted, require dedicated courts, skilled personnel, and modern investigative approaches, which are still evolving in Nigeria. Alogba also highlighted deficiencies in police training, especially in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases, observing that poor handling of evidence at early stages often weakens cases before they reach the courts, leading to miscarriages of justice.
While acknowledging ongoing improvements, he called for sustained investment in capacity building for law enforcement, legal practitioners, and judicial officers, stressing that professionalism and technical expertise are indispensable in modern justice systems. He further underscored the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science, noting that it encompasses various specialised fields requiring targeted knowledge and continuous training. Alogba advocated for the development of dedicated forensic teams to support investigations, adding that such expertise would significantly enhance the quality of evidence presented in court and streamline legal proceedings.
Enhancing Forensic Capabilities and Collaboration
The Chief Judge also drew attention to the role of coroners, describing it as a vital but underutilised mechanism for investigating suspicious deaths. Strengthening the coroner system, he said, would improve accountability, complement forensic processes, and ensure thorough examinations in cases of unexplained fatalities. Earlier, the team lead of the delegation, Dr Damilola Fagboro, stated that the summit aims to bring together experts from across jurisdictions to explore advancements in forensic science and their application in legal systems, with a focused goal on improving justice outcomes globally.
Fagboro highlighted the growing relevance of DNA analysis as a critical tool for determining identity, establishing parentage, and resolving complex legal disputes. He recounted a case where DNA evidence contradicted a long-held belief about biological parentage, illustrating both the power and disruptive potential of forensic science. "Scientific results can reveal realities that contradict personal beliefs or long-standing narratives," he remarked, emphasizing the need for accurate evidence in court.
He identified key challenges hindering the adoption of forensic science in Nigeria, including the high cost of analysis, limited access to advanced laboratories, and inadequate specialised training among legal practitioners and investigators. Fagboro called for increased investment in forensic infrastructure and capacity building, urging authorities to prioritise training for judges, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel to ensure proper interpretation and application of scientific evidence in court. He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and forensic experts, noting that such synergy would enhance the credibility of criminal investigations and improve public confidence in legal outcomes.
During the visit, High Court judges and magistrates were present, underscoring the growing recognition of forensic science as an indispensable pillar of modern justice systems and a critical driver of reform in Nigeria's legal landscape. This event marks a significant step towards integrating scientific methods into the judicial framework, aiming to foster a more reliable and efficient administration of justice in the country.
