NIGERIA CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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.