FORENSIC EVIDENCE

The core of proof in criminal trials is that the accused must be proven to be the perpetrator of the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. In most cases, this is anchored on the evidence of an eyewitness; however, in the absence of such evidence, the fate of the victim becomes uncertain. It appears that criminals have adopted increasingly sophisticated methods to commit crimes, making it necessary for the legal system to adopt effective mechanisms to ensure proper proof of offences, one of which is the application of Forensic Science. However, the Nigerian legal system has remained largely dependent on police reports, which sometimes lack credibility, as well as on circumstantial evidence. This approach poses a significant setback to the efficiency of the criminal justice system. The use of forensic science has been effectively deployed in other jurisdictions to combat crime, while it is still an evolving practice in Nigeria. This study appraises the significance of forensic science in the Nigerian legal system with the aim of achieving a fair, just, and robust criminal justice system that will strengthen the administration of justice. It also examines the relevance and application of forensic evidence within the Nigerian legal framework. The study adopts a doctrinal research approach, relying on existing legal principles and scholarly works, and its findings establish the need for the proper utilization of forensic science in order to restore the dignity, reliability, and efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.

The core of proof in criminal trials is that the accused must be proved to be the perpetrator of the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. In most cases, this is anchored on the evidence of an eye witness, however in the presence of none what becomes the fate of the victim. It appears that criminals have adopted a sophisticated scheme to commit crimes, it is therefore appropriate for our legal system to adopt a effective mechanism to ensure that crimes are proven and one way o attaining this is the use of Forensic. However the Nigerian legal system has remained redundant, primarily because criminal convictions are based on police reports, which sometimes lack credibility, as well as reliance on circumstantial evidence. This approach is a major setback to an efficient criminal justice system. The use of forensic science has been effectually deployed by other jurisdictions in combating crimes, while it is still an evolving trend in Nigeria. This study appraise the significance of forensic science in the Nigerian legal system with the aim of achieving a fair, just and robust criminal justice system that would strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. It also examine the relevancy and application of forensic evidence in Nigerian legal system. This study will adopted the doctrinal approach of research relying on existing principles and works of great authors and its findings will establish the essence for proper utilization of forensic science in order to restore the dignity, dependability and efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria

The core of proof in criminal trials is that the accused must be proved to be the perpetrator of the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. In most cases, this is anchored on the evidence of an eye witness, however in the presence of none what becomes the fate of the victim. It appears that criminals have adopted a sophisticated scheme to commit crimes, it is therefore appropriate for our legal system to adopt a effective mechanism to ensure that crimes are proven and one way of attaining this is the use of Forensic. However the Nigerian legal system has remained redundant, primarily because criminal convictions are based on police reports, which sometimes lack credibility, as well as reliance on circumstantial evidence. This approach is a major setback to an efficient criminal justice system. The use of forensic science has been effectually deployed by other jurisdictions in combating rimes, while it is still an evolving trend in Nigeria. This study appraise the significance of forensic science in the Nigerian legal system with the aim of achieving a fair, just and robust criminal justice system that would strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. It also examine the relevancy and application of forensic evidence in Nigerian legal system. This study will adopted the doctrinal approach of research relying on existing principles and works of great authors and its findings will establish the essence for proper utilization of forensic science in order to restore the dignity, dependability and efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.