Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is pushing for advanced forensic tools to tackle increasingly complex financial crimes, with Secretary Okwudiri Oparaodu stressing that stronger investigative capabilities are vital to outpace sophisticated fraud schemes.
Okor Odeh, Spokesperson for the commission, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Odeh said that Oparaodu made the call at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for ICPC operations personnel.
The capacity-building-themed “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds” is sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Oparaodu called for a significant boost to the commission’s forensic capabilities to effectively tackle the rising tide of complex corruption and financial fraud.
He noted that forensic investigation was no longer just an optional tool but a cornerstone of modern law enforcement, essential for navigating the increasingly sophisticated methods criminals employ.
The ICPC Secretary highlighted the dynamic nature of criminal activity, adding that its growing complexity demanded that investigators master and leverage modern technology.
He emphasised that forensic processes were highly technical and played a pivotal role in constructing watertight cases.
According to him, any procedural lapse or oversight in the forensic chain can prove fatal in court, potentially undermining months of investigative work.
“The integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Head of the ICPC External Cooperation Unit, Mr Ahmed Abdul, welcomed the participants and reiterated that the training was a direct outcome of the CDD’s invaluable support.
Abdul encouraged personnel to actively participate in the sessions and to maximise the opportunity to refine their professional skills.
Speaking on behalf of the CDD, Mrs Titilayo Olaniyan underscored the timeliness of the initiative.
Olaniyan said the training was taking place at a critical moment, when corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and across the region were becoming increasingly intricate and transnational.
She noted that the effective deployment of forensic techniques, coupled with proper evidence management and modernised investigative methods, was not just beneficial but essential for strengthening law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts.
“This initiative is a testament to the CDD’s unwavering commitment to strengthening accountability mechanisms and enhancing the institutional capacity of anti-corruption agencies,” she said.
She added that the workshop formed part of a broader strategy to promote good governance and the rule of law.
She commended the leadership of the ICPC for its continued dedication and resilience in safeguarding public resources and promoting a culture of integrity within the Nigerian public service.
