Lagos Chief Judge Champions Forensic Science to Strengthen Justice System
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has strongly reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to adopting forensic science as a vital tool for improving justice delivery in Nigeria. This declaration came as he hosted a delegation from the International Academy of Forensic and representatives of The Guardian at his office in the Ikeja High Court, in preparation for an upcoming global summit.
Embracing Scientific Advancements in Legal Systems
Alogba emphasized that legal systems must evolve alongside rapid scientific progress to ensure fairness and efficiency in adjudication. He stated, "As science advances, so too must our legal systems evolve," highlighting that integrating forensic innovation into Nigeria's justice architecture is essential for building a more just and equitable society. The summit, scheduled for June 22 to 26, 2026, is themed: "Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence: Strengthening the Administration of Justice in the Age of Technological Advancement."
Addressing Limitations in Nigeria's Adversarial System
The Chief Judge acknowledged the constraints of Nigeria's adversarial legal system, where judges are limited to evaluating evidence presented in court and cannot conduct independent investigations. This underscores the critical need for credible, scientifically grounded evidence to aid judicial decision-making. Alogba explained that judges must remain impartial arbiters, relying solely on facts and legal arguments from parties, and should recuse themselves if they possess undisclosed prior knowledge.
Within this framework, he noted that forensic science can bridge evidentiary gaps, enabling courts to reach more accurate and reliable conclusions. However, he expressed concern over gaps in specialized training across the justice sector, particularly in handling sensitive cases like sexual offences and family disputes, which require dedicated courts and modern investigative approaches still evolving in Nigeria.
Challenges in Police Training and Evidence Handling
Alogba also highlighted deficiencies in police training, especially for investigating and prosecuting sexual violence cases. He observed that poor evidence handling at early stages often weakens cases before they reach the courts. 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.
Multidisciplinary Nature of Forensic Science
Further, the Chief Judge underscored the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science, which encompasses various specialized fields requiring targeted knowledge and continuous training. He advocated for developing dedicated forensic teams to support investigations, noting that such expertise would significantly enhance the quality of evidence presented in court. Alogba also drew attention to the role of coroners, describing it as a vital but underutilized mechanism for investigating suspicious deaths, and suggested strengthening the coroner system to improve accountability and complement forensic processes.
Delegation Highlights DNA Analysis and Challenges
Earlier, the delegation team lead, Dr. Damilola Fagboro, explained 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 focus on improving justice outcomes. 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 long-held beliefs about biological parentage, illustrating both the power and disruptive potential of forensic science.
Fagboro identified key challenges hindering forensic science adoption in Nigeria, including:
- High cost of analysis
- Limited access to advanced laboratories
- Inadequate specialized training among legal practitioners and investigators
He called for increased investment in forensic infrastructure and capacity building, urging authorities to prioritize training for judges, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel to ensure proper interpretation and application of scientific evidence in court. Fagboro 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.
Growing Recognition of Forensic Science
During the visit, the presence of High Court judges and magistrates underscored 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 toward integrating scientific methods into the judiciary to address contemporary challenges and promote a more effective justice delivery framework.
