In a recent directive, a new bill has been instated for a law which would be establishing the Lagos State Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Forensic centres in order for them to support criminal investigations, law enforcement, the preservation of evidence for the judicial system and for some of the other connected purposes has been passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The bill had also been passed by the House after it had scaled the third reading at plenary on Monday with all lawmakers in attendance giving their approvals.
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The report on the bill had also been adopted at an earlier sitting which had been presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Eromosele Ebhomele said part of the objectives of the centre includes providing for the use and regulation of DNA-based technology in Lagos State to carry out profiling or analysis.
The centre is to also “carry out other forensic disciplines including, toxicology, drug chemistry, fingerprint examination, firearms examination, tool mark examination, ballistics, trace evidence analysis, questioned document examination and digital forensics to obtain evidence relevant to the investigation of criminal offences.
“Provide for the use of DNA profiles in the investigation of crime and the use of such profiles in proving the innocence or guilt of persons.
“Provide for the conditions under which the samples for DNA profiles may be retained or destroyed.
“Establish a DNA database and a DNA Index System in the State as well as establish a DNA bank for storage of reference DNA samples.”
The bill gives powers to the centre to take specified bodily samples from certain categories of persons for the purposes of DNA analysis; collect, examine, document and preserve evidence which can later be used in the identification of offenders among others.