As criminal networks increasingly exploit digital frontiers, some of forensic science, law enforcement, security, academia, and public administration have converged at the University of Lagos for the 2026 Global Forensic Summit.

The gathering aims to bridge the critical “forensic gap” the stark divide between what investigators discover at a crime scene and the scientific proof required to secure convictions in a court of law.

The global summit which was organised by the International Academy of Forensics in partnership with The Guardian Newspapers, Nigeria, features an expansive corporate exhibition showcasing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and forensic software alongside high-level technical sessions.

The summit, themed “Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence: Strengthening the Administration of Justice in the Age of Technological Advancement,” arrives at a pivotal moment.

Evolving tactics in cybercrime, financial fraud, digital deception, identity theft, and transnational organised crime continue to challenge conventional law enforcement methods.

However, organisers emphasised that these same technological advancements also provide powerful tools for justice, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and biometric identification.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs Aderinsola Olanrewaju, highlighted the modern operational hurdles facing Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Hosting a population of over 22 million people alongside the continent’s highest concentration of financial and tech hubs, Lagos sits at a unique intersection of ambition and vulnerability.

“It is not for want of witnesses, nor for want of suspects, but for want of evidence that can stand scrutiny in the court of law,” He noted, identifying this as the core forensic gap the summit must address.

He added that 21st-century crime scenes are no longer strictly physical; they are frequently found inside servers, mobile devices, or financial transactions logged in digital ledger systems.

“Forensic science must meet criminals where they operate,” the Lagos governor had issued a direct challenge to investigators, legal practitioners, and scientists in attendance, expanding on the real-world consequences of forensic precision.

“The quality of your work the rigour with which you collect, preserve, and analyse evidence determines whether the guilty face consequences and whether the innocent walk free.

“That is not a small thing. It is the foundation upon which public trust in the entire justice system rests,” she warned.

He noted that whenever a chain of custody fails or digital evidence is inadmissible due to improper retrieval, “it is not only a case that is lost; it is the confidence of citizens in our institutions that is eroded.”

To counter these vulnerabilities, Lagos State has made strategic investments in its justice infrastructure. This includes the establishment of West Africa’s first ISO-accredited DNA and Forensic Centre in 2017.

The facility is currently executing its second phase to incorporate advanced toxicology and forensic chemistry.

He said Lagos recently established a fully operational Cyber Security Operations Centre to monitor and respond to digital threats targeting state infrastructure in real time. These technological upgrades complement legislative reforms.

Under the 2021 amendments to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Lagos modernised its legal architecture by enabling audio and video conferencing for proceedings, establishing the electronic Lagos Criminal Information System, and prohibiting the media parade of suspects to preserve constitutional dignity.

He stated that the ultimate ambition of the state is to foster “a justice system where evidence speaks clearly, courts decide swiftly, and citizens whether they come as victims seeking redress or as suspects entitled to a fair hearing can trust the process to be honest.”

Aligning with the call for robust institutional reform, and representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, Justice Olutoyin Atinuke Ipaye underscored that true nation-building relies heavily on an impartial justice system.

She explained that while physical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and industries stimulate economic growth, sustainable national development cannot exist without a judiciary that commands public confidence and upholds the Constitution as the nation’s grundnorm.

“Nation-building is like a journey of a thousand miles which begins with a giant leap. While roads, bridges, industries, and technology contribute significantly to national development, no nation can attain sustainable progress without a justice system that commands public confidence and upholds the rule of law.”

Justice Ipaye noted that while low-level offences like phone snatching and robbery persist, overall criminality has escalated significantly due to technological advancements. Consequently, investigations must become forensic-driven and science-led.

“Where justice thrives, peace flourishes. Where justice is absent, disorder, insecurity, and instability inevitably follow,” she said, affirming that the judiciary fully embraces this new era.

She emphasised that a predictable legal environment directly encourages investment, protects fundamental rights, and checks the abuse of power.

Justice Ipaye said that a country’s endurance relies on its moral and legal foundation.

“History teaches us that great nations are not built in a day, nor merely on wealth, military strength, or political power. They are built on the ideals of justice. Justice gives legitimacy to authority, stability to society, confidence to investors, and hope to citizens,” she stated.

Providing the broader institutional framework for these reforms, Professor Dele Olowokudejo welcomed local and international delegates, framing the summit as a vital defence mechanism for modern public institutions.

“We are united by one common purpose: to explore innovative solutions that will strengthen justice systems, enhance accountability, combat crime, and improve public trust in institutions amid unprecedented technological transformation,” he said.

Prof. Olowokudejo noted that no single agency or nation can handle these transnational threats in isolation.

“Collaboration, innovation, and shared learning remain essential to our success. No single institution, profession, or nation can effectively address today’s complex security and justice challenges alone.”

Reflecting further on the long-term impact of the deliberations, he added:
“History reminds us that justice is strongest when supported by knowledge, integrity, innovation, and courageous leadership. Together, we can help build systems that are more transparent, accountable, effective, and resilient in the face of evolving criminal threats.”