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NDLEA is central to action plan on drug control and crime prevention – AU Commission

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 Africa needs to act fast on projected 40% rise in drug use prevalence, Marwa warns

By Ebinum Samuel

The Commission of the African Union has said the formulation of new action plan on drug control and crime prevention on the African continent won’t be complete without inputs from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) because of its central role in law enforcement in the region.
The AU Commission stated this on Monday 30th June 2025 during an assessment visit to the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja by a three-member delegation including the team lead Dr. Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention; Dr. Abiola Olaleye, Senior Drug Epidemiology and Research Officer; and Prof. Johan Strijdom, Senior Drug Control Consultant. The visit was to evaluate the African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention (2019-2025).
According to Dr. Akinola, “we’re here to understand the status of implementation of this continental action plan on drug control and crime prevention. We are in the process of re-evaluating and starting another continental action plan that will take us from 2026 to 2030. So, we have identified a few countries to understand how this action plan was actually implemented in the member states. And if there are gaps and the new and current emerging trends that we can include.

“So, we understand very well the work of NDLEA and we believe that the formulation of the new action plan will not be finalized and concluded until we have inputs from NDLEA Nigeria, because you are basically on the forefront when it comes to law enforcement on the entire continent.”
The AU Commission delegation commended the NDLEA for its sustained provision of critical and policy-relevant data, which has significantly informed and shaped the work of the Commission over the years. The visit, according to the delegation, aimed to obtain a comprehensive update on the current status of implementation of national drug control strategies, identify operational and institutional gaps, and explore potential areas for technical assistance, particularly in relation to capacity development, forensic science capabilities, canine detection units, and other strategic enablers of drug control efforts.

Welcoming the delegation, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that he considered it imperative to receive the team personally due to the strategic relevance of their engagement. “We are particularly pleased that the African Union is giving due weight to the implementation of the continental action plan, not merely as a theoretical exercise, but by undertaking direct field consultations with national counterparts. This grounded, evidence-informed approach will undoubtedly result in a more pragmatic and responsive framework for implementation,” he noted.
Marwa highlighted the urgency of addressing the continent’s growing drug challenge, adding that while global projections estimate a 10–11% rise in drug use prevalence, Africa is expected to experience a surge of up to 40%. “This disparity signals a looming crisis that demands coordinated and accelerated action. We deeply appreciate the AU’s leadership in this space and commend your proactive efforts,” he added.

Journalist seeks LASG, Police clarification on disputed child alleged hand over to suspected traffickers

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An investigative reporter in a Freedom of Information (FoI), sent a request to the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and another to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, seeking clarification on alleged handing over of a disputed paternity child to suspected traffickers.

 

The FoI, dated 16th June 2025 and signed by the Editor, Security News Alert, Juliana Francis, was addressed to the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, through the Lagos State Commissioner for Information.

 

Also copied were the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and Family Social Services, Igando-LDCA, Alimosho, Lagos.

 

Another FoI was sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, on the same subject matter, copied the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer and the Head, Gender-Based Violence Unit, Lagos State Police Command.

 

The FoI request to Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development reads: “Under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, we hereby apply for confirmation of allegations of human rights abuses perpetrated against a 10-year-old girl and shoddy investigations.

 

Securitynewsalert.com is an online medium dedicated to reporting security and human rights violations in Nigeria.

 

“Over the past months, we have been conducting an investigation focused on finding out those who trafficked and then inflicted bodily harm on the minor, hoping to hold them accountable.

 

“Our investigation has raised serious concerns about Gender Unit Culpability and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) attempting to allegedly truncate justice, allowing traffickers to escape justice and handing the child in question to one of the parents without due process.

 

“This is a case of child trafficking, child physical abuse, child labour, child deprivation of education and child paternity first reported at the Festac Police Station and transferred to the Police Gender Unit.

 

“This case involves a 10-year-old girl identified as Kosarachi, repeatedly allegedly brutalised with shoe heels by her madam, Mrs Ifeoma Okoye, who was assisted by her wealthy church, Christ Holy Church International, to flee Lagos last year, but now back, according to sources.

 

“The case, which started with child trafficking and maltreatment, including sexual abuse; (b) subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

 

“(c) subjected to attacks upon his honour or reputation; or (d) held in slavery or servitude, while in the care of a parent, legal guardian, school authority or any other person having authority for the care of the child.

 

“Section 14 of the CRA says that every child has the right to free, compulsory and universal basic education, and every parent or guardian shall ensure that their child or ward attends and completes their basic school education.

 

“Okoye, Mrs Chikodi and Gift also breached Section 25 of CRA, which states thus, ‘Subject to this Law, no child shall be—(a) subjected to any forced or exploitative labour, or (d) employed as a domestic help outside his own home or family environment.’

 

“The Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (NAPTIP) in Nigeria criminalises the exploitation of humans. Article 5 of the Act states that parties must criminalise practices that exploit humans, including sexual and labour exploitation, while Article 3(b) says that ‘consent is irrelevant if any means of trafficking are used, such as force, deception, coercion, or abduction. Even if these means are not used, it is still trafficking if a child is involved.”

Traditional ruler arrested for allegedly r3ping 12-year-old girl in Ondo

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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a traditional ruler (Baale) in Laaagba community, Ondo East Local Government area of Ondo State, for allegedly r3ping a 12-year-old girl.

According to a police source at the Ondo Area Command, the traditional ruler, whose name was given as Chief Adeniyi Ifedayo, was said to have lured the girl into his house in the community and harboured her in the house for two weeks where he s3xually assaulted her.

Recounting her ordeal, the minor, who is currently recuperating in an undisclosed health facility in Ondo town, said she was lured to the house of the monarch by a commercial motorcycle rider in the community.

“The Baale kept me in his house for two weeks and feed me with pap, while he assaulted me s3xually on daily basis,” she narrated.

“My parents became worried about my whereabouts and eventually raised an alarm, declaring me missing. After two weeks, the Baale took me on a motorcycle and dumped me at a location in Akure.”

The Area Commander of the Ondo Area Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. T. Y. Pickson, who confirmed the incident said case was transferred to the State Police Command in Akure for further investigation.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, also confirmed the arrest of the suspect, stating that the case has been transferred to the State Police Headquarters, where a thorough investigation is ongoing.

IPOB opposes federal government’s ranching proposal, accusing it of ‘land grabbing’.

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The Indigenous People of Biafra, has condemned the announcement by President Bola Tinubu, proposing the establishment of cattle ranches in Abuja, the ancestral homeland of the Gbagi people and other states across the country.

The pro-Biafran group said the move is nothing but Ruga repackaged and a sinister land-grabbing strategy cloaked in government policy.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, said it is a shame that in the 21st century, the Federal Government is prioritising cow colonies over education, security, and innovation.

Powerful said what began as the “need for grazing” centuries ago led to the total subjugation of proud territories, adding, “the rise of alien emirates, and the transformation of indigenous owners of the land into strangers in their ancestral homes. Abuja is about to witness the same fate if this madness is not stopped.”

The statement read in part, “President Tinubu unaware that no sensible country in the world keeps cattle around its capital city?

“Let him point to any major city—from Nairobi to New Delhi, São Paulo to Seoul—where cattle are granted permanent settlements around central governance zones.

“This absurdity is uniquely Nigerian, and disgracefully so.”

While saying that the land around Abuja belongs to the Gbagi people, Powerful said, “To dispossess them by executive fiat is an unforgivable act of aggression and cultural genocide.”

He added, “Today, the Gbagi are being pushed to the margins; tomorrow, there will be an Emir of Abuja. And in 60 years—just like what befell the Hausas—the Gbagi will be footnotes in history, reduced to relics of their own heritage.

“Let it be known that IPOB shall resist any attempt—direct or indirect—to impose this toxic expansionist agenda anywhere in Biafraland. No inch of our territory will be given for herder settlements, cattle corridors, or so-called ranching. Our forests, our villages, our farmlands are sacred to us—not bargaining chips in a federal contract of death.

“Let them be transported by rail, just as is done in civilised societies. That’s how a serious nation handles its livestock economy—not by slaughtering indigenous peoples and seizing their homes under the guise of ranching.”

According to him, no progressive nation erects ranches next to homes, schools, and marketplaces. The fact that this administration cannot comprehend this basic logic is a reflection of its failure, not ours.

“IPOB stands with the Gbagi people and every other indigenous nationality facing existential threats from Fulani neo-colonial conquest dressed up as national policy. Our diversity must be respected, our cultures preserved, and our ancestral lands protected. Let the killings in the name of cows stop. Let the bloodletting cease. Let Nigeria choose reason over ruin,” the statement added.

Kefas, Kekere-Ekun, Argungu, Others Pay Tributes As Justice Galumje’s Wife Is Buried -PSC saddened by the loss; Argungu

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The curtain was finally drawn on Mrs Zeporah, wife of Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Police Service Commission as her remains were lowered to earth on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at her husband’s compound in Didan, Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba state. Eminent Nigerians, including high ranking judicial and senior Government officials were present to bid her farewell. There were also several traditional rulers, strong delegation from the Police Service Commission, senior Police Officers, friends and relatives. Didan home of Justice Galumje practically was on stand still as honour was given to whom it was due.

 

Those who spoke at the funeral Mass included the Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal Kano, Mohammed Danjuma, the Chief Judge of Taraba state; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha; the Chairman Police Service Commission, relatives, officiating Ministers; the Chief Mourner and some of his Children.

In a condolence message, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas said the state mourns the loss of a woman who was not only a “devoted wife and mother but also a quiet but formidable force of grace, character and strength. “Though she lived away from the spotlight, her light shone brightly through the life she lived -marked by unwavering faith, sacrificial love, and quiet dignity “.

 

The Governor noted that “behind your long and illustrious career of integrity and distinction on the Bench stood a woman of immense courage, patience, and support. Her life was a testimony to the power of calm strenght and moral clarity, and her legacy will forever live in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her”, the Governor added.

 

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, in her condolence message said ” Mrs Galumje was known to many as a graceful, supportive and God fearing woman whose devotion to her family were evident to all who encountered her”. “Through the many years of your distinguished service to the nation as a judicial officer, she stood beside your lordship with quiet dignity and unwavering encouragement.”

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni in a letter of Condolence to the family said the Commission is profoundly saddened by “this painful loss, particularly coming so soon after the passing of your dear brother. We cannot begin to imagine the weight of grief that you and your family must be bearing at this moment”. DIG Argungu whose condolence message was presented at the funeral service in Didan by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission noted that Justice Galumje’s strenght, humility and service to this nation “have long inspired us all. “In this difficult hour, may the Almighty God grant you the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses and may the soul of Mrs. Zeporah Paul Adamu (late) rest in perfect peace”.

 

The PSC Chairman assured Justice Galumje of the Commission’s support and solidarity during this time of mourning. The entire staff of the Commission stand with you in this moment of sorrow”.

 

The Chief Mourner, Justice Galumje on behalf of his family thanked all “the people who came from far and near and contributed in various ways to make this funeral ceremony a success. “We say may the good Lord reward you all for all your efforts and grant you journey mercy back to your various homes:

AIG Zone 5 Meets With Stakeholders Over Warri Delineation Crisis

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

As part of efforts to prevent any breakdown of law and order following INEC ward delineation exercise in Warri, Delta state, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, conveyed a security meeting with stakeholders from Warri and its environs. The meeting was held yesterday at the office of the AIG Zone 5 Benin-city, the Edo state capital.

 

In attendance were the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, Asaba, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Area Commander Warri, the Local Government Chairmen, Warri South West, Warri North and Warri South, the spokesperson and representative of Gbaramatu Kingdom, the representative from the Palace of the Olu of Warri, representatives of Isaba kingdom, representatives of Itsekiri, representatives of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, representatives of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, representatives of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, amongst other highly placed figures.

CP Abaniwonda disclosed that following the Delineation exercise carried out by INEC in Warri, there has been problems among the three ethnic groups in the area, and, he seeks the help of the AIG Zone 5 to step in to avoid further escalation and break down of law and other.

The AIG responded that he conveyed the meeting at the Instance of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, noted that there is no difference between the Ijaws, Itsekiris and the Urhobos and warned them all to avoid any issues that will cause a repeat of the 2003/2004 crisis.

 

The AIG further appealed to the stakeholders on the need for them to control their youths, and refrain them from making inciting and inflammatory statements, especially on the social media. He reiterated that when a life is lost, nobody can bring it back.

 

Amongst the speakers were the representative of the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom, the Rep of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, the rep of Isaba Kingdom, the rep of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, the rep of Gbaramatu kingdom, the three local government chairmen and all speakers all sued for peace and noted that they do not want a crisis in Warri. They also noted that the delineation exercise carried out by INEC has not been finalised and that INEC has asked all aggrieved parties to study the draft and bring up their complaints, observations and contributions.

 

The AIG warned that any further breakdown of law and order will not be tolerated, and the trend of name-calling and social media protest will not be tolerated henceforth, stressing that anyone caught will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

He also warned that no ethnic group should refer to another ethnic group as Customary Tenants.

The meeting ended with all parties agreement to work towards the peace and security of Warri kingdom, they pledged to call their youths to order and work towards maintaining the existing peace in order to bring back economic prosperity in Warri, Delta State.

Staff welfare: Marwa commissions NDLEA/NOA vision centre  Commends partnership with Nigerian Optometric Association on premium eye care for NDLEA staff and their families

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has commissioned a high-tech Vision Centre at its National Headquarters Annex in Abuja as part of efforts to promote and prioritise staff welfare as well as to boost their morale.
The facility, a product of strategic partnership between the Agency and the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) and its partner, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, is designed to provide comprehensive, affordable, and high-quality eye care services to NDLEA personnel and members of the public.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Marwa expressed deep appreciation to the NOA and its partners for considering the NDLEA worthy of such a vital collaboration. “We are here with every sense of fulfilment and happiness to commission this Vision Centre,” he stated, while reflecting on the personal and public importance of vision health. Drawing from his own experience with eye care, Marwa urged officers, men and women of the Agency to prioritize regular eye checkups, noting that vision is key to productivity and quality of life. He also commended the dedication of the team of optometrists managing the centre, while acknowledging their pioneering role and voluntary service. “We appreciate you for accepting to serve in this capacity even in uncharted grounds. This Centre is a worthy addition to our several initiatives to promote and cater for the wellbeing of our workforce”, he added.

 

 

In his remarks, the NOA President, Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, described the commissioning as the culmination of a purposeful collaboration with the NDLEA and OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation. He recalled how the idea for the centre was birthed during a meeting in Lagos and praised the leadership of the Agency for embracing the initiative. “This Vision Centre is one of only a few we have established within government institutions. It stands out as a model for sustainable eye care delivery. With support from our partners in France and Dubai, we are bringing world class equipment and services here, ensuring access to premium eye care and quality eye glasses for NDLEA staff and their families”, Dr. Anderson stated.
The Director, Medical Services of NDLEA, Dr. Audu Okpe in his welcome remark noted that the establishment of the NDLEA-NOA Vision Centre marks another milestone in the Agency’s growing portfolio of staff welfare initiatives under the leadership of Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa. “It also underscores a broader commitment to fostering public health partnerships between security institutions and professional medical bodies in Nigeria”, he stated

Three kidnappers who collected ₦75m ransom from 10 victims arrested in Edo

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Three suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted 10 victims between January 2024 and April 2025 and collected over ₦75 million from the victims and their families in Edo State are now in police net.

The suspects identified as Asemota Osamede (38), Michael Tomminiwei (43) and Kelly Aitoya (34), belong to a four-man kidnapping syndicate that have been terrorizing Benin City and environs.

They allegedly kidnapped about 10 victims between January 2024 and Aprill 2025, and have collecting over ₦75 million from the various victims and their families.

They, however, met their Waterloo on April 10, 2025, when they kidnapped one Mrs Vivian Diode, who operates a saw mill at Eayan, a suburb community along the Benin-Auchi road, Benin City.

The kidnappers reportedly forcefully collected N1.5 million from her bank account while in captivity and also collected N6 million ransom from her family members before releasing her.

About a week after releasing the victim, the suspects reportedly called the family members again and demanded additional ₦3 million with a threat to kidnap her again or assassinate her if they failed to pay the money.

Following the threat, the family reported the incident to the police and the anti cultism unit of the command swiftly responded and in the process arrested the three suspects.

It was further gathered that during investigation, it was discovered that aside Vivian, the suspects have successfully kidnapped 10 persons and have collected over ₦75 million in ransom between January 2024 and April 2025.

The State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects confessed belonging to a four-man kidnapping syndicate operating with one Ak47 riffle and two pump action gun in Benin City.

He added that investigation has been completed and the suspect would be charged to Court.

“The case concerning the kidnap of Vivian, the suspects have been arrested and investigations completed, they would be charge to Court,” he said.

Substance use prevention in focus as NDLEA, UNODC unveil 2025 world drug day activities. Marwa, Toure call for public , states’ active participation in fight against illicit drugs

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Nigerian public has been challenged to get involved and take full ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking with a view to curbing the menace and preventing young people from falling into the drug trap.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) gave the challenge at a joint press conference with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 18th June 2025 to announce weeklong activities to commemorate this year’s world drug day.
“As we enter another United Nations year focused on prevention, it is vital to stress that the responsibility of shielding our citizens from harmful substances does not rest solely on the shoulders of the NDLEA. It is a collective duty—one that demands the involvement of all, including the general public. On our part, we shall intensify our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiatives to further support families, schools, communities, workplaces, places of worship, associations, and trade unions in raising awareness on the dangers of illicit drug use and how to avoid falling victim”, Marwa stated.
He noted that each year, the World Drug Day is guided by a unique theme that shapes the global response to the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking over the following 12 months, adding that this year’s theme “will once again serve as a framework for our awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach efforts. The theme for this year is: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
According to him, “We have lined up a variety of impactful activities beginning with today’s press briefing, culminating in the grand finale on 26th of June. These events are designed to raise public awareness, encourage dialogue, and galvanise collective action towards combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
“On Friday, June 20, we will hold a Juma’at service at the National Mosque, Abuja. The following day, Saturday, 21st of June at 8am, we will stage a Walk Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with MTN Nigeria Foundation and the University of Abuja at the University campus in Gwagwalada.
“On Sunday, 22nd of June, a Thanksgiving Service will be held at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Regional Church, Wuye, Abuja, starting at 10 am. We will begin the following week with the final stage of an Essay Competition on Monday, 23rd of June. In this round, schoolchildren will present letters they have written on the theme: “Why I Must Not Take Drugs.” The event will be held at the NDLEA Conference Room at our headquarters in Jahi. The day will also include a range of NGO-led activities focused on drug prevention and youth engagement.
“Our focus on Tuesday, 24th of June, will be on out-of-school youth. To this end, we will conduct an outreach campaign in markets and motor parks across the FCT Area Councils, beginning at 8 am. Finally, on Thursday, 26th of June, which marks World Drug Day, we will hold the grand finale—a commemorative event at the State House Conference Centre, commencing at 9 am.”
He said as part of efforts to address the country’s drug use situation, the NDLEA has also continued on an upward trajectory in terms of arrests, convictions, and seizures.
“We are also modernising our approach to the enforcement of drug laws by embedding innovation in our operations. Notably, the use of body cameras has now been fully integrated into our field activities. Overall, the past year has witnessed significant positive developments in our offensive against drug traffickers and barons.

“In the four and a half years of my leadership, the Agency has been advancing steadily on the path of reform and progress. Earlier this year, in February, we commissioned our first barracks in Yola, Adamawa State. In April, we commissioned both an accommodation facility and a rehabilitation centre in Kano. At present, the barracks in Abuja stands almost ready for commissioning, while the one in Lagos is nearing completion”, he added.
Also speaking at the briefing, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Ousman Toure by the Deputy Head of UNODC in Nigeria, Danilo Campisi, emphasized the importance of preventive measures in addressing the global drug use problem. He said “the illicit drug trade is deeply connected to other crimes including human trafficking, illegal mining and environmental destruction. Its proceeds often finance violent extremist groups further destabilizing affected regions. Together these interconnected crimes are part of a vicious circles that entrench poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness and addiction.”

While commending Marwa and NDLEA for doing an excellent work in Nigeria, the UNODC called on state governments to get actively involved in the efforts being coordinated by the NDLEA at the centre. “Stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organized criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities. Most critically, we must involve the sub-nationals, the state governments must be actively involved in drug control efforts working with NDLEA and other relevant entities to ensure the availability of evidence-based preventions and treatment programmes in their states. We will not make significant progress if interventions continue to be centralized.
“This is why UNODC support to Nigeria remains resolute and multifaceted. We are working side-by-side with the government of Nigeria to build forensic and border management capacity to intercept drug flows and strengthen law enforcement capabilities; enhance regional responses to transnational organized crime through training, intelligence sharing and support for joint investigations.
“We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian government, civil society and communities in the fight to dismantle criminal chains, prevent addiction and restore dignity through recovery. We also commend the leadership of NDLEA and the chairmanship of General Marwa whose strategic and courageous efforts continue to make an impact on both supply and demand sides of this crisis. And UNODC is really proud to be a partner of this vital journey.”

PSC TO EMBRACE FORENSIC AND DNA STUDIES , SAYS THE NEW POLICE FOR THE NEW NIGERIA MUST BE DRIVEN BY THESE TWO SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Police Service Commission says it will leverage on the forensic and DNA studies to build a new Police Force for a new Nigeria. The Commission believes that since crime has gone scientific and across national boundaries, there was a compelling need to embrace forensic and DNA studies.

 

According to Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission spokesman, the Chairman , DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, conveyed the Commission’s position today, Monday, June 16th 2025 when he received in audience a delegation from the Center for Forensic Programmes and DNA studies of the University of Benin led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Christopher Osunbor.

DIG Argungu said knowledge of forensic programmes and use of DNA in investigations would go a long way in assisting the Police and the Commission as an oversight body in handling delicate criminal matters across the country.

 

He directed that the Director, Human Resource management and Director, Legal Services of the Commission should immediately meet with the Center and get a Memorandum of Understanding in place for a partnership that would also be extended to the Nigeria Police Force.

 

The PSC Chairman said it is to the advantage of the Commission and the Nigeria Police to embrace forensic and DNA studies, adding that the knowledge is also valuable for all known professions as it is vital in policy formulation and implementation.

 

He said the Commission will partner with the Center for Forensic Programmes and DNA studies (CEFPADS) of the University of Benin.

 

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration of the University who came in company of Prof. Eddy Ehikhamenor, Director, Forensics and DNA Centre, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, Deputy Registrar and Head, Public Relations and Protocol and Mr. Lucky Ikhalo, Deputy Registrar and Head Abuja Liason Office, said the team was in the Commission to collaborate with it and through the Commission also collaborate with the Police in forging a partnership and exposing the two agencies of Government on the benefits of forensic Programmes and DNA studies.

 

Prof. Osubor said the Programmes of the Center are “critical to the kind of jobs security agencies are involved in”. He said the Center is also ready to offer services that are critical to the Commission’s mandate.

 

Prof.

Ehikhamenor, the Director of the Center who gave an overview of the workings of the Center said its mandate was based on public-private partnership (PPP) with the intent to have a sustainable functioning molecular laboratory that is devoid of any strike or bureaucracy.

 

He said the objectives include building sustainable bridge in forensic and DNA between the haves and have-nots in Nigeria to ensure appropriate conviction of criminals on all aspect of our development.

 

Prof. Ehikhamenor also said the Center is built to assist in developing National DNA Database ” for research and crimes investigations, provide platform for all forensic screening during epidemics or pandemics of various pathogens like covid -19, bacteria etc.

 

The Center is to design academic curriculum at Diploma, undergraduate, post graduate and post doctoral level for beneficiary Nigeria Universities. It also organizes forensic educational training with research to make them eligible to be certified as DNA Analyst or Forensic Analyst with support from “our partners in developed countries “.

 

The Director of the Center said advantages of the Center include helping to establish identity of mass casualties and unknown victims dead or alive and provide template for regular capacity building for several stakeholders such as , DSS, Police and the Military.

Prof. Ehikhamenor said the Center’s present goal is to provide annual slots of range of 12 – 20 Police Officers admission at “our postgraduate level depending on the affordability of the Police; collaborate to perform forensic screening for alcohol and drugs for arrested suspects nationwide under investigation.