The Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre says it is working on a central DNA database for the state.
The centre’s Managing Consultant, Dr Richard Somiari, said the DNA crime laboratory would be particularly helpful in tackling organised crimes.
A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, quoted Somiari to have said this on Wednesday while taking the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Zubairu Muazu, on a tour of the DNA forensic centre.
Somiari explained that the LSD&FC had the technology and expertise to support all the DNA testing needs of Lagos State.
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He said the centre offered services such as “consultation on old cases, crime scene processing, evidence collection, serological screening for blood, semen and saliva, DNA analysis, mass disaster victim identification and cold case files review.”
Somiari said the state was committed to fighting crimes with technology, adding that the LSD&FC would continue to organise training and enlightenment programmes for judges, policemen, lawyers and emergency responders.
On the planned central database, Somiari said, “The DNA crime laboratory will especially be helpful when dealing with organised crimes, including automobile theft, home burglaries and extortion.
“Many of these crimes are organised, gang related and committed by the same people and with DNA forensics, the DNA from the crime scenes and from suspects will be put in a DNA database.”
The statement quoted the commissioner of police as saying he believed that the DNA forensic centre would help the police command in quick resolution of criminal cases. [PUNCH]
