“You can run, but you cannot hide,” Governor Mbah warns criminals as Nigeria unveils a world-class forensic and genomic institution
The commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI) at Godfrey Okoye University’s Science City, Ugwuomu Nike, Enugu, marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s scientific advancement, security architecture, and justice system.
The landmark event, led by Prof. George Ude, Founding Director of the DNA Learning Center Nigeria (DNALC Nigeria) and CeDFoCI, drew an array of national leaders, global scientific partners, traditional rulers, legal experts, law enforcement authorities, and members of the academic community to celebrate the birth of a world-class forensic and genomic institution on African soil.
Building an Institution Where Science Serves Justice
Addressing guests, Prof. Ude described CeDFoCI as a strategic response to longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s criminal justice and scientific ecosystem.
He explained that the Centre was established to ensure that criminal investigations in Nigeria are guided by scientific truth; support courts with reliable and defensible forensic findings; anchor justice in evidence rather than uncertainty; train law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, medical professionals, students, and early-career researchers; and advance research in forensic genetics, informatics, and molecular biology.
“CeDFoCI is not merely a building,” Prof. Ude declared. “It is a declaration that Africa can build institutions that meet global standards, where science serves justice and truth matters.”
The Centre is expected to become a scientific cornerstone for justice, research, healthcare, and national development.
Its mandate includes providing reliable DNA evidence for criminal investigations and court proceedings; training security personnel, scientists, healthcare practitioners, and students; advancing research in forensic genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology; supporting medical diagnostics, public health surveillance, and personalized medicine; reducing dependence on foreign forensic services; and building partnerships across government agencies, academia, industry, and international institutions.
Prof. Ude affirmed that CeDFoCI would operate under strict ethical frameworks, transparent governance structures, and internationally accepted forensic standards to guarantee scientific integrity and sustain public trust.
Honouring Visionary Leadership and Traditional Institutions
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition accorded to traditional institutions and visionary leaders whose support helped lay the foundation for the Centre.
Special tribute was paid to His Royal Majesty Igwe Prof. Dr. Christian Nwachukwu Okeke (CoH), Eze Osuofia I of Obinofia Ndiuno Ancient Kingdom, Founding Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Godfrey Okoye University.
His leadership, together with the support of other traditional rulers, was acknowledged as instrumental in the growth of the university and the eventual establishment of CeDFoCI.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, received glowing commendations as “the engine behind the wheels,” whose vision and administrative drive transformed early biotechnology initiatives into fully-fledged scientific institutions.
A Decade-Long Journey of Partnerships and Mentorship
Prof. Ude reflected on the university’s pioneering role in biotechnology, tracing the origins of the project to the 2011 International Conference on Biotechnology and National Development, hosted by Godfrey Okoye University.
According to him, the conference planted the seeds that eventually grew into the DNA Learning Center Nigeria and, today, CeDFoCI.
He highlighted the culture of mentorship that has shaped the Centre’s leadership over the years, citing the professional growth of Mr. Michael Okoro, who now serves as Deputy Director of DNALC Nigeria.
Special recognition was also given to Dr. Dave Micklos, Executive Director of the DNA Learning Center, New York, whose intervention secured Nigeria’s DNALC license by waiving a licensing fee valued at $300,000.
Prof. Ude noted that Micklos’ long-standing partnership and advocacy helped build the scientific foundation upon which CeDFoCI now stands.
He also poured enormous encomium on The Deputy Director of DNA Learning Center Nigeria as well as Project Manager of CeDFoCI, Michael Okoro for his doggedness and never giving up spirit which was hugely instrumental to the success recorded so far.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, described the establishment of CeDFoCI as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation, and societal transformation.
He commended the Enugu State Government for its strategic partnership and steadfast support, expressing confidence that the Centre would significantly strengthen criminal investigations, enhance justice delivery, and deepen national security efforts.
Beyond its forensic mandate, Prof. Anieke disclosed that the facility would also provide paternity and maternity testing services, offering families access to scientifically verifiable evidence capable of resolving sensitive disputes and restoring confidence in familial relationships.
He further expressed delight that nearly 98 per cent of the scientists and technical personnel expected to drive the Centre’s operations are young Nigerian professionals below the age of 40, describing their involvement as a strong statement of confidence in local talent and a deliberate investment in the future of scientific excellence in Nigeria.
Governor Mbah to Criminals: “You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide”
In a strongly worded address, Governor Peter Mbah described CeDFoCI as one of the most significant investments of his administration in Enugu State’s security architecture and a fulfilment of the promises contained in his Citizens’ Charter.
He stressed that although crime had reduced considerably in the state, more needed to be done.
“That is why we continue to invest, continue to innovate, and continue to strengthen the systems that keep our people safe,” he said.
“The Centre strengthens our ability to investigate crime, track criminals, support the work of law enforcement, and ensure that those who threaten the peace of our communities have fewer and fewer places to hide.”
Issuing a stern warning to criminal elements, Mbah said:
“Every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you.
“For too long, many crimes have gone unresolved because the tools did not exist to capture and prosecute you. Now they do.
“If you intend to harm our people, prey on our children, or threaten our communities, understand that the state now possesses capabilities that did not previously exist.
“This Centre changes what is possible. It strengthens our ability to follow the evidence, identify those responsible, and support the work of law enforcement with world-class forensic science.
“So, Enugu is open to investors. Enugu is open to innovators. Enugu is open to people who want to build, create, and contribute.
“But for those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our people, the message is very simple: you can run, but you cannot hide.”
The governor also urged residents to adopt new attitudes toward crime scenes.
“Henceforth, when crimes occur, keep a safe distance, promptly alert the authorities, and allow trained professionals to carry out their work.
“Every footprint, fingerprint, strand of hair, blood sample, or biological trace may contain crucial evidence. Once contaminated, such evidence may be lost,” he advised.
Mbah emphasized that although CeDFoCI is situated in Enugu State, it remains available to agencies, organisations, professionals, and governments beyond the state.
“This facility may be located here, but its significance extends far beyond our borders. It is our contribution to the quest for a justice system that is guided not by conjecture, but by evidence; not by suspicion, but by science,” he said.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic reforms that have enabled states to undertake major infrastructure projects and praised the President’s transmission of the State Police Bill to the National Assembly as a demonstration of support for modern security management.
The governor described the partnership with Godfrey Okoye University as consistent with his administration’s broader vision of ensuring that higher institutions become active participants in solving societal challenges.
“I commend the Vice-Chancellor for nurturing an environment wholly conducive to learning and Prof. George Ude for his commitment to excellence and for lending his expertise to this project,” he added.
National Stakeholders Applaud Initiative
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the establishment of CeDFoCI places Nigeria among advanced jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into the heart of their security and justice systems.
“This facility will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s forensic science capacity. It will equip law enforcement agencies with modern tools for criminal investigation, provide prosecutors with credible scientific evidence, assist the courts in reaching just outcomes, and improve the overall administration of criminal justice,” he stated.
He added that increasingly sophisticated criminal enterprises demand equally sophisticated investigative capabilities.
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noted that CeDFoCI would greatly strengthen police investigations and improve citizens’ confidence in the criminal justice process.
“For the Nigeria Police Force, this Centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes,” he said.
“It will also provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge exchange that will continue to improve investigative standards across our police formations.”
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, represented by Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, praised the partnership between Godfrey Okoye University and the Enugu State Government.
“While the Church forms conscience and provides moral values, the state provides the structure for justice and security,” he remarked, adding that nation-building cannot be left to government alone.
Looking Ahead: A Continental Reference Point
Looking to the future, CeDFoCI aims to become a fully accredited forensic reference laboratory serving multiple regions, support national DNA databasing initiatives, expand postgraduate and doctoral training in forensic and medical genetics, attract international grants and collaborative research programmes, and serve as a national advisory resource on forensic science and bioethics.
Prof. Ude summed up the Centre’s aspirations with a stirring reflection:
“The final frontier before us is not technology, it is imagination, courage, and the willingness to believe that excellence can be built here, flourish here, and lead from here.”
With its launch, CeDFoCI stands as a beacon of hope for victims seeking justice, investigators seeking clarity, courts seeking certainty, and young scientists searching for purpose. More importantly, it signals Nigeria’s determination to lead Africa into a new era where science, truth, and justice walk hand in hand.
More Images from the Official Commissioning
