President Urges Certification, Vetting, and Early Fraud Prevention
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the expanded use of forensic science to strengthen the country’s judicial system, improve institutional credibility, and safeguard elections.
NBA President Afam Osigwe made the call during a visit by the management team of the Centre for Forensic and Financial Investigations (CIFCFIN), led by Iliyasu Gashinbaki, to the NBA headquarters in February 2026.
Forensic Science as a Tool Against Fraud
Osigwe highlighted that deploying forensic techniques is critical to tackling certificate forgery, document manipulation, and other forms of institutional fraud.
“Issues such as certificate forgery and document manipulation have repeatedly embarrassed our institutions and weakened public confidence. We must gatekeep more effectively,” he said.
He added that professionally regulated forensic services are essential to ensure only qualified individuals occupy public office, citing the June 2025 National Judicial Council (NJC) recommendation that led to the compulsory retirement of 10 judges in Imo State over age falsification.
“Nigeria has reached the point where people should move beyond reacting to fraud after it has caused damage. Systems should be built to prevent it from happening in the first place to save costs from investigation and prosecution,” Osigwe said.
He also stressed the importance of forensic verification in addressing financial crimes, including money laundering, corruption, and terrorism financing, noting that conflicting documents often undermine public confidence in courts and institutions.
Forensic Science in the Electoral Process
Gashinbaki emphasised the role of forensic science in Nigeria’s electoral system, from pre-primary candidate vetting to post-election litigation.
“Proper vetting of candidates before party primaries would significantly reduce electoral disputes as well as prevent recurring national embarrassment,” he said.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Gashinbaki said forensic verification can prevent disputes linked to certificate forgery and ensure transparency throughout the electoral process.
The institute has already engaged political party leadership to promote the adoption of forensic verification at every stage of elections, aiming to minimise disputes and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
