Lagos CJ Calls for Science-Driven Criminal Investigations at Global Forensics Summit
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, has urged law enforcement agencies to embrace forensic science, cyber intelligence and data analytics in criminal investigations, saying modern crimes require more scientific approaches to justice delivery.
Justice Alogba, represented by Justice Olutoyin Ipaye, made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 Global Forensics Summit organised by the International Academy of Forensics in collaboration with The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria in Lagos.
He noted that technology has transformed criminal activities, making conventional investigative methods inadequate, and stressed that effective administration of justice is crucial to national development, public confidence and democratic stability.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Aderinsola Olanrewaju, said the state is making strategic investments in forensic science and digital security to bridge the gap between criminal investigations and successful prosecution.
According to him, Lagos established West Africa’s first DNA and Forensic Centre in 2017 and is currently expanding its capabilities through a second phase covering toxicology and forensic chemistry.
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He also highlighted reforms such as virtual court proceedings, the Lagos Criminal Information System and the state’s Cybersecurity Operations Centre.
Earlier, Emeritus Professor Dele Olowokudejo described the summit as a platform for collaboration among experts in forensic science, law, security and academia to strengthen justice delivery through innovation and knowledge sharing.
In a lead paper presentation, retired judge and legal scholar, Justice (Prof.) Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, underscored the importance of Nigeria’s legal framework in regulating forensic investigations and ensuring that scientific evidence is properly gathered, preserved and admitted in court while safeguarding constitutional rights.
The summit focused on leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital forensics, to improve criminal investigations and strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria.
