The Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Okwudiri Oparaodu, has called for a major enhancement of the Commission’s forensic capabilities to tackle increasingly sophisticated corruption and financial fraud.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for ICPC operations personnel, themed “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds”, Oparaodu emphasised that forensic investigation is no longer optional but a core pillar of modern law enforcement. The training is sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Highlighting the growing complexity of criminal activity, Oparaodu said, “The integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application. Any procedural lapse or oversight in the forensic chain could prove fatal in court, potentially undermining months of investigative work.”
He urged participants to engage fully with the training, stressing that meticulous attention to forensic procedures is crucial for producing credible, verifiable, and defensible outcomes that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
Oparaodu also expressed appreciation to the CDD for sponsoring the workshop and commended its inclusive approach, which involved both operational and administrative personnel, promoting a holistic understanding of forensic applications across the Commission. He concluded:
“The knowledge acquired should be swiftly integrated to strengthen the Commission’s core mandate of combating corruption and safeguarding public integrity.”
In his welcome address, Mr. Ahmed Abdul, Head of the ICPC External Cooperation Unit, urged participants to actively apply the skills gained, adding tangible value to the Commission’s operations.
Speaking on behalf of the CDD, Mrs. Titilayo Olaniyan described the initiative as timely, noting, “Corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and across the region are becoming increasingly intricate and transnational.
The effective deployment of forensic techniques, coupled with proper evidence management and modern investigative methods, is essential for strengthening law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts.”
She added that the workshop reflects the CDD’s commitment to enhancing institutional capacity and promoting good governance and rule of law. Olaniyan also commended the leadership of the ICPC for its continued efforts in safeguarding public resources and fostering a culture of integrity within the Nigerian public service.