Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared that criminals have no hiding place in the state, saying his administration now has stronger capacity to prevent, track, and prosecute offenders.
He made the statement on Wednesday at the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) in Enugu.
The centre is a partnership involving the Enugu State Government, Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre, located at the university complex in Ugwuomu, Nike.
Mbah said the facility would transform security operations and criminal justice delivery in the state.
The governor described CeDFoCI as a key investment in his administration’s security framework under the Citizens’ Charter.
He said security remained the foundation for every development ambition of the government.
According to him, so, Enugu is open to investors. Enugu is open to innovators. Enugu is open to people who want to build, create, and contribute.
He added, “But for those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our people, the message is very simple: you can run, but you cannot hide.”
Mbah said the state is moving from guesswork to science-based investigations powered by forensic technology.
He stated that CeDFoCI will strengthen crime detection, evidence gathering, and support for law enforcement agencies.
“The centre strengthens our ability to investigate crime, track criminals, support the work of law enforcement,” he said.
He added that offenders would have fewer places to hide under the new system.
The governor warned criminals that modern forensic tools would make detection easier and more reliable.
He said, “So, to the criminals, I say this: every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you.”
Mbah added that many past crimes went unresolved due to lack of technology.
“For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute you. Now they do,” he said.
Mbah urged residents to avoid interfering with crime scenes and to report incidents promptly.
He explained that proper handling of evidence is critical for investigations.
“Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence,” he said.
“Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost,” he warned.
The governor said the facility would serve not only Enugu but also other jurisdictions.
“This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders,” he stated.
He added that it represents a shift toward evidence-based justice.
“It is our contribution to the quest for a justice system guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science,” he said.
The governor praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms.
He said the policies have increased funds available to states for development projects.
“These reforms have allowed more funds to flow to states, enabling us to develop infrastructure at scale,” he said.
He also referenced the push for state policing, describing it as a step toward modern security management.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the centre marked a major leap for Nigeria’s justice system.
He said it aligned Nigeria with global jurisdictions using forensic science in criminal justice.
“This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity,” he said.
He added it would improve investigations, prosecutions, and court decisions.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the centre would strengthen police operations nationwide.
He noted its value in tackling serious crimes including kidnapping, terrorism, and homicide.
“For the Nigeria Police Force, this centre represents enormous opportunities,” he stated.
He added it would also improve training and professional development.
Founding Director of DNALA, Professor George Ude, said the institution aimed to anchor justice on scientific truth.
He said it would support courts with reliable forensic evidence and improve investigative standards.
The centre would also train police officers, scientists, and medical professionals, he added.
Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, praised the collaboration between government and the university.
He said nation-building required joint effort beyond government alone.
“While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security,” he said.
