LEGAL EXAMINATION OF THE EXTENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE INVESTIGATION UNDER THE NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

Globally, crime has become more complex and complicated that mere combing of crime scenes and interrogations are not sufficient to solve these crimes especially in cases where there is no eye witness to the crime committed. Sadly, these crimes are perpetrated with different complex arms, equipment and under the influence of hard drugs whereas some of these equipment and drug influence cannot be detected with mere eye or simple laboratory analysis but through forensic science investigations. Thus, it is difficult for court to reach a proper verdict in such complex crimes, an innocent person may become a victim to miscarriage of justice because of lack of evidence to prove his/her innocence or equally convict a perpetrator of a crime. Nevertheless, science has advanced in recent years to the extent that forensic science investigations are more reliable and accurate. Forensic science evidence aids in the administration of criminal justice because such evidence from forensic science investigation are not speculative rather they investigates on the timeline of the events involved in a crime scene there are elements of certainty in forensic science investigation results which are significant to the extent that samples collected from crime scenes can promptly denote the timeline a crime was committed and equally identify the likely suspect to the crime committed. Thus, the jurisprudence of criminal cases tends to question whether forensic science results can lead to a positive result in dispensation of criminal cases and solving crimes in our justice system. In view of these challenges, this study examines the extent of forensic science investigation, the importance and its application under Nigerian criminal justice system.