Abstract

Research Article

Awareness level on the role of forensic DNA database in criminal investigation in Nigeria: A case study of Benin city

Nwawuba Stanley Udogadi* and Akpata Chinyere Blessing Nkiruka

Published: 15 December, 2020 | Volume 4 - Issue 1 | Pages: 007-014

Pieces of evidence have continued to emerge, demonstrating the extensive efficiency and effectiveness of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigations around the world. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the awareness level on the prominent role of Forensic DNA Database on Crime Investigation in Nigeria: a case study of Benin City. In conducting this research, a total of 458 questionnaires were distributed around Benin City between the periods of 12th January 2020 to 21st March 2020, with a particular focus on security agents and students. The questionnaire comprised of three main categories: Socio-demographic characteristics, Information about the National Forensic DNA Database, and Information about DNA evidence, and Nigeria Criminal Justice system. For the analysis of data collected; the statistical tool used was also Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22 for windows. Responses were compared using chi-square and presented as counts and percentages. In determining the level of awareness, the following responses were obtained. Of the total population: 53.28% had no idea about forensics, 19.21% were uncertain and 27.54% knew about forensics. The same trend was observed with Forensic DNA profiling, 42.14% did not know, 22.27% were uncertain and 35.59% demonstrated good knowledge of Forensic DNA profiling. On the knowledge about the National Forensic DNA Database, 48.47% had no knowledge, 22.27% were uncertain and 29.26% were knowledgeable about it. The result of the present study revealed that the awareness level of the forensic DNA Database was found to be inadequate.

Read Full Article HTML DOI: 10.29328/journal.jfsr.1001019 Cite this Article Read Full Article PDF

Keywords:

DNA database in Nigeria; Forensic science; Forensic DNA database; DNA profiling

References

  1. The Royal Society. Forensic DNA analysis: A primer for courts. 2017 [cited 2020 Oct 18]. Chapter 1: 7. https://royalsociety.org/-/media/about-us/programmes/science-and-law/royal-society-forensic-dna-analysis-primer-for-courts.pdf
  2. Machado H, Silva S. Would you accept having your DNA profile inserted in the National Forensic DNA database? Why? Results of a questionnaire applied in Portugal. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2014; 8: 132–136. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24315600/
  3. Hampikian GE, West OA. The genetics of innocence: analysis of 194 U.S. DNA exonerations. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2011; 12: 97–120. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21721941/
  4. Nwawuba SU, Mohammed KA, Adams TB, Omusi PI, Ayevbuomwan DE. Forensic DNA profiling: autosomal short tandem repeat as a prominent marker in crime investigation. Malays J Med Sci. 2020; 27: 22–35. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32863743/
  5. Govender D. Problems experienced by detectives in the processing and utilisation of crime information at the Rustenburg detective unit, North West Province, South Africa. Acta Criminologica: Southern African J Criminol. 2011; 24: 112-129.
  6. Jakovski Z, Renata JA, Aleksandar S, Verica P, Natasa B, et al. The power of forensic DNA data bases in solving crime cases. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2017; 6 (Suppl): e275–e276.
  7. Martins PD, Schmitter H, Schneider PM. A brief history of the formation of DNA databases in forensic science within Europe. Forensic Sci Int. 2001; 119: 225-231. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11376988/
  8. Machado H, Silva S. What influences public views on forensic DNA testing in the criminal field? A scoping review of quantitative evidence. Hum. Genomics. 2019; 13: 1-13.
  9. Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative (FDNAPI). Global summary: Botswana. 2016. http://wiki.dnapolicyinitiative.org/index.php?title=Botswana
  10. Forensic Genetics Policy Initiative (FDNAPI). Global summary: South Africa. 2018. http://wiki.dnapolicyinitiative.org/index.php?title=South_Africa
  11. Heathfield LJ. Policy required for entry of DNA profiles onto the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa. S Afr J Sci. 2014; 110: 1-3.
  12. Wet S, Oosthuizen H, Visser J. DNA profiling and the law in South Africa. PER: Potchefstroomse Elektroniese Regsblad. 2011; 14: 171-207.
  13. El-Alfy SH, El-Hafez AF. Paternity testing and forensic DNA typing by multiplex STR analysis using ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2012; 10: 101–112.
  14. Tau T, Wally A, Fanie TP. Genetic variation and population structure of Botswana populations as identified with Amp FLSTR Identifiler short tandem repeat (STR) loci. Sci Rep. 2017; 7: 6768. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28754995/
  15. Tau T, Davison S, D’Amato ME. Polymorphisms at 17 Y-STR loci in Botswana populations. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2015; 17: 47–52. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817844/
  16. Ngboawaji DN. An Evaluation of the Challenges of Forensic Investigation and Unsolved Murders in Nigeria. AJCJS. 2012; 6: 143-162.
  17. McHugh ML. Lessons in biostatistics: The Chi-square test of independence. Biochemia Medica. 2013; 23: 143–149.
  18. Rana R, Singhal R. Chi-square test and its application in hypothesis testing. J Pract Cardiovasc Sci. 2015; 1: 69-71.
  19. Haldun A. User's guide to correlation coefficients: Review Article. Turk J Emerg Med. 2018; 18: 91–93. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30191186/
  20. Johnson P, Williams R. Genetics and Forensics: Making the National DNA Database. Sci Stud. 2003; 16: 22–37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1351151/
  21. Kirsten D. Universal DNA databases: a way to improve privacy? J Law Biosci. 2017; 4: 637–647. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29868192/
  22. Kees VB. Measuring the Effectiveness аnd Efficiency of Forensic DNA databases. 26 International Symposium on Human Identification. 2016. https://www.promega.com/-/media/files/products-and-services/genetic-identity/ishi-26-oral- abstracts/9-van-der-beek.pdf
  23. Tozzo P, Fassina A, Caenazzo L. Young people's awareness on biobanking and DNA profiling: results of a questionnaire administered to Italian university students. Life Sci Soc Policy. 2017; 13: 9. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28601979/
  24. Milot E, Marie MJ, Hugo G, Crispino F. The National DNA Data Bank of Canada: a Quebecer perspective. Front Genet. 2013; 4: 249. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24312124/
  25. Alisigwe OJ, Oluwafemi OM. The State of Forensic Science in Crime Investigation and Administration of Justice in Nigeria. Int J Sci & Eng Res. 2019; 10: 1720-1725.
  26. Akhiwu OW, Obaseki D. Knowledge of Nigerian Policemen about Modern Forensics. Ann Biomed Sci. 2014; 13: 1-8.
  27. O’Brien E, Daeid NN, Black S. Science in the court: pitfalls, challenges and solutions. Phil Trans R Soc B. 2015; 370: 20150062. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26101291/
  28. Robertson J. Understanding how forensic science may contribute to miscarriages of justice. Aust J Forensic Sci. 2013; 45: 109-112.
  29. Lynch M. Science, truth, and forensic cultures: The exceptional legal status of DNA evidence. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. 2013; 44: 60-70. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23117027/
  30. Vermylen Y. The role of the forensic expert in criminal procedures according to Belgian Law. Forensic Sci Int. 2010; 201: 8-13. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20471763/
  31. Johnson P, Williams R. DNA and Crime Investigation: Scotland and the ‘UK National DNA Database’. Scott J Crim Justice Stud. 2004; 10: 71–84. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16557290/
  32. Kehinde A. Law and Forensic: Techniques of Evidence Gathering and Case Presentation in Court. Nigeria Village Square. 2020. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/law-and-forensic-techniques-of-evidence-gathering-and-case-presentation-in-court.html
  33. Amuda-Kannike A. Admissibility of Evidence as It Relates to Electronic Devises, Social Media and Forensic Science. Business Regulations, Law & Practice: Proshare Nigeria Pvt. Ltd. Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. 2018.. https://www.proshareng.com/news/Business%20Regulations,%20Law%20&%20Practice/Admissibility-Of-Evidence-As-It-Relates-To-Electronic-Devises--Social-Media-And-Forensic-Science-/39484
  34. Evidence Act. Evidence Act. 2020. https://www.global-regulation.com/law/nigeria/3376439/evidence-act%252c-2011.html
  35. SB 78: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Bill. 2015. http://placbillstrack.org/8th/view.php?getid=1405

Figures:

Figure 1

Figure 1

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 1

Figure 3

Similar Articles

Recently Viewed

Read More

Most Viewed

Read More

Help ?