Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, yesterday, said that crimes have gone unresolved because the tools to capture and prosecute the criminals did not exist.

Mbah sounded the warning yesterday during the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation (CeDFoCI), a strategic partnership between the Enugu State Government, the Godfrey Okoye University, and the Nigeria DNA Learning Centre, at the university’s complex, Ugwuomu, Nike, Enugu.

Mbah said that with the Centre, there is no more hiding place for criminals in the state, even as his administration has built the capacity to pre-empt, track down, and bring them to book.

This was even as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Prof. Christian Anieke, lauded Mbah’s strides in the security sector, describing the Centre as a major contribution to national security and the justice system.

Mbah described the Centre as one of the most important investments by his administration in the state’s security architecture in line with the Citizens’ Charter, noting that none of those ambitions would be possible without security. He maintained that while his administration had significantly reduced crime, more work needed to be done.

“That is why we continue to invest, innovate, and strengthen the systems that keep our people safe. That brings us to why we are here today.

“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 places to hide.”

“So, to the criminals, I say this: every crime scene leaves a trace. And we can now track that trace and use it as evidence against you.”

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the State Police Bill to the National Assembly, noting that this boldly demonstrates his support for the devolution of policing responsibilities to states and a clear appreciation of the realities of modern security management.

The Attorney General of the Federation stressed that the establishment of CeDFoCI places Enugu and Nigeria on the path of advanced jurisdictions that have integrated forensic science into the core of their security and justice architecture.

He said, “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.

“Again, in an era when criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated, security agencies must be equipped with equally sophisticated investigative capabilities.”

On his part, the IGP, while commending the state and university’s collaboration, said CeDFoCI would strengthen the capacity and work of the police and build citizens’ confidence in the system.