By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Okwudiri Oparaodu, has called for enhanced forensic capabilities within the Commission to effectively investigate increasingly sophisticated cases of corruption and financial fraud.
Oparaodu made the call during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for operations personnel of the Commission, themed “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds.” The training programme is sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
According to a statement issued by the ICPC spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC Secretary stressed that forensic investigation has become an indispensable component of modern law enforcement due to the evolving sophistication of financial crimes.
He explained that the dynamic nature of criminal activity requires investigators to master and deploy modern technology and forensic tools capable of unraveling complex financial transactions and fraudulent schemes.
“Foreensic investigation is no longer an optional tool but a cornerstone of modern law enforcement,” Oparaodu said, adding that the integrity of any investigation largely depends on the strength of its forensic application.
He cautioned that forensic processes are highly technical and any procedural lapse within the investigative chain could undermine months of work and weaken a case in court.
“The integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application,” he told participants, urging them to pay close attention to investigative procedures to ensure their findings remain credible, verifiable and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
The ICPC Secretary also expressed appreciation to the Centre for Democracy and Development for sponsoring the training and for adopting an inclusive approach that brought together both operational and administrative personnel of the Commission.
According to him, such cross-cutting training would promote a broader understanding of forensic processes and strengthen the Commission’s capacity to effectively combat corruption and protect public integrity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of the ICPC External Cooperation Unit, Ahmed Abdul, encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and maximise the opportunity to enhance their professional skills.
He noted that the training was made possible through the support of the CDD and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in improving the Commission’s investigative operations.
Speaking on behalf of the CDD, Titilayo Olaniyan described the initiative as timely, noting that corruption and financial crimes across Nigeria and the wider region are becoming increasingly complex and transnational.
She emphasised that effective use of forensic techniques, proper evidence management and modern investigative methods are critical to strengthening law enforcement and prosecution of corruption cases.
Olaniyan added that the workshop forms part of the CDD’s broader commitment to strengthening accountability institutions, promoting good governance and supporting the rule of law.
She also commended the leadership of the ICPC for its dedication to safeguarding public resources and promoting a culture of integrity within the Nigerian public sector.
