Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has been called upon to as a matter of urgency sign into law the Chartered Institute of Forensic and investigative Professionals of Nigeria Bill 2021, currently before him as doing so will FasTrack the fight against corruption, fraud and cybercrime in the country.
The President Chartered Institute of Forensic and investigative Professionals of Nigeria, Mrs. Ayishetu Enape made the call in Abuja, while speaking with journalists on the role of forensic investigation in the restoration of the Nigerian economy.
She said high profile cases of monumental fraud, corruption and cybercrime in Nigeria can be tracked easily when forensic professionals are given legislative and presidential backing in shaping the economy of the country.
She advised that, “any proposed legislation in this regard should be painstakingly considered based on its merits, devoid of sentiments, parochial or self – serving interests of certain persons or group of persons who are out to frustrate any Laudable steps that would reduce to the nearest minimum, corrupt practices and other related crimes in the country.”
According to Mrs. Enape, “It is a common knowledge that due to the complex nature of how fraud, corruption and cybercrime are perpetrated in today’s world, investigation of same, requires significant expertise, knowledge and experience, which can only be inculcated through adequate forensic training by Forensic experts, through analysis and validation of forensic and documentary evidences.
“It is on this premise that, the importance of forensic investigation in the detection and prosecution of crimes cannot be overemphasized,“ She added.
Mrs. Enape noted that, the fight against fraud, corruption and cybercrime requires concerted efforts and signing the bill in to law will give Chartered Institute of Forensic and investigative Professionals legal powers and direction in line with the anti-Corruption drive of the Nigerian government.
Mrs. Enape reiterated that, forensic investigation is not only vital to the restoration of the nation’s dwindling economy but also crucial in the fight against fraud and corruption in line with the policy thrust of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration which has zero tolerance for corruption.
