EVIDENCE

Sexual violence is an extensive and deeply distressing crime that poses significant challenges to the criminal justice systems globally, particularly in Nigeria, and this is often committed in private, without witnesses, and under conditions where victims face social stigmatization and psychological trauma which could range from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic related issues, such crimes are infamously difficult to investigate and prosecute, It remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in Nigeria, cutting across social, economic and cultural boundaries, This study explores the prevalence , causes and consequences of sexual violence crimes in the country, examining both the systemic failures and cultural attitudes that enables it's persistence, it examines the application of forensic evidence as an essential tool in detecting and prosecuting sexual violence crimes, focusing on how scientific methods can improve the effectiveness and credibility of investigations and legal proceedings worldwide, with particular focus on Nigeria, with the primary aim to explore how forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint, forensic pathology,crime scene reconstruction, and expert testimony and other forensic techniques can assist law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in obtaining objective and more accurate evidence in sexual offence cases. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify the forensic methods most relevant to such crimes, assess the challenges inhibiting their effective application in Nigeria, and propose legal and institutional reforms to enhance their uses.

Analysis of electronic evidence is becoming increasingly important to the investigation and
prosecution of criminal offences as well as in civil cases. Electronically generated evidence in this context includes digitally signed documents and any print out or output readable by sight or other means which accurately reflects the electronic data message or electronic document. It could also include electronically stored information. The authenticity of electronic documents has always been debatable considering how prone they are to be tampered with. The admissibility and relevance of such evidence to the facts in issue lies on the decision ofthe Court after applying the provisions in the Evidence Act 2011. This study seeks to critically appraise the admissibility and relevance of electronic evidence in Nigeria. It also seeks to given substantial explanation and definitions to related terms including evidence, facts, and facts in issue, documents, electronic evidence, admissibility and relevancy. It also provides an overview of documentary evidence. Advancement in science and technology makes it paramount for legal practitioners to be proficient in electronic evidence. This study provides a scholarly contribution to the surface knowledge on the admissibility of electronically generated evidence in legal proceedings in Nigeria. It also gives an edge in providing further findings on other jurisdictions without leaving out the issues associated with electronic evidence