Awareness level on the role of forensic DNA database in criminal investigation in Nigeria: A case study of Benin city

Abstract

Pieces of evidence have continued to emerge, demonstrating the extensive efficiency and effectiveness of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigations around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the awareness level on the prominent role of Forensic DNA Database on Crime Investigation in Nigeria: a case study of Benin City. In conducting this research, a total of 458 questionnaires were distributed around Benin City between the periods of 12th January 2020 to 21st March 2020, with a particular focus on security agents and students. The questionnaire comprised of three main categories: Socio-demographic characteristics, Information about the National Forensic DNA Database, and Information about DNA evidence, and Nigeria Criminal Justice system. For the analysis of data collected; the statistical tool used was also Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 for windows. Responses were compared using chi-square and presented as counts and percentages. In determining the level of awareness, the following responses were obtained. Of the total population: 53.28% had no idea about forensics, 19.21% were uncertain and 27.54% knew about forensics. The same trend was observed with Forensic DNA profiling, 42.14% did not know, 22.27% were uncertain and 35.59% demonstrated good knowledge of Forensic DNA profiling. On the knowledge about the National Forensic DNA Database, 48.47% had no knowledge, 22.27% were uncertain and 29.26% were knowledgeable about it. The result of the present study revealed that the awareness level of the forensic DNA Database was found to be inadequate.

Forensic DNA database and criminal investigation in the Sahel region: a need to update the national security policy?

“…In determining participants’ awareness of using DNA to solve crimes, 64.9% of the respondents said that they knew enough about the potential of DNA to solve crimes. Compared with other African countries, our result is slightly higher than the 53.3% reported in a similar study in Nigeria [ 14 ]. However, our results should be low compared with those of some African countries, such as South Africa, where criminal law on forensic procedures already exists in the Amendment Act of 2013, which established their NFDD [ 15 ].…”

Murder Investigation in Nigeria: Implication for Forensic Science Application

“…Next, five articles reviewed (see: Nte, 2012;Sylvester & Agbeyi, 2019;Nte et al, 2019;Nwawuba & Akpata, 2020;Nwokolo & Ivongbe, 2022) were quantitative studies. In these quantitative studies, respondent groups varied from one study to another.…”

The Position of Forensic DNA Database in Criminal Investigation: Understanding the Utilization in Africa, Particularly Nigeria a Review

“…2. As a prelude, Forensic DNA database is a computer database containing records of DNA profiles primarily for comparison to produce hits between stored DNA profile and either of suspects, victims, or crime scene sample [30,37,79]. The incredible power of DNA technology as an identification tool constitutes a significant investigative resource in contemporary criminal justice systems [79,31].…”