MURDER INVESTIGATION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATION FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE APPLICATION

Forensic science is integral to enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and credibility of criminal investigations and legal proceedings. In Bangladesh, where the criminal justice system grapples with issues such as delayed trials, limited resources, and an overwhelming backlog of cases, the application of forensic science presents a critical opportunity for reform. This study explores the current role and potential of forensic science in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system, highlighting key forensic disciplines such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, digital forensics, and toxicology. Through a comprehensive review of these disciplines, the research underscores their contribution to more reliable investigations, fairer trials, and enhanced public confidence in the justice system. Additionally, the study identifies several challenges hindering the effective implementation of forensic science, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of trained personnel, and low public awareness. Drawing on a combination of literature review, case studies, stakeholder interviews, and public surveys, the research evaluates the effectiveness of forensic science in law enforcement and judicial processes. The study proposes a series of recommendations to address these challenges, focusing on modernizing forensic capabilities, capacity-building, and fostering greater collaboration among forensic experts, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. Ultimately, the study aims to strengthen the role of forensic science in ensuring justice, by improving criminal investigation processes and reinforcing public trust in Bangladesh’s legal system.

Neuroscience is being integrated into criminal investigations, offering new opportunities for understanding, predicting, and potentially preventing criminal behavior. In Nepal, brain-mapping techniques like P300 wave tests and Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature profiling were used in a murder investigation in 2024. However, ethical concerns include privacy concerns, false positives, and the potential for false positives. Consent regarding neurobiological evidence in criminal cases is crucial, as intrusive procedures may require individuals to be informed. The legal implications of using neurobiological evidence could be severe if it serves to wrongfully accuse or convict an individual. Therefore, the use of neuroscience in criminology must be carefully balanced to ensure ethical considerations. This viewpoint interprets the potential of neuroscience in criminal investigations, addressing ethical, privacy, consent, and legal issues within the Nepal Police and criminal justice system.

Forensic entomology is the use of arthropod evidence in legal investigations is becoming increasingly more important in such investigations. Most often, forensic entomologists assist homicide investigations by estimating the time of death using information on the biology and ecology of arthropods. In murder investigations it deals with which insect’s eggs appear, their location on the body and in what order they appear. In medico-legal death investigations one of the most critical question is, ‘‘When did the death take place?’’ An accurate estimation of the post mortem interval has special relevance in a homicide case because this information can narrow the field of possible suspects in a crime. Forensic entomology helpful in determining a post mortem interval (PMI) and location of a death in question. Since many insects exhibit a degree of endemism (occurring only in certain places), or have a well-defined phenology (active only at a certain season, or time of day), their presence in association with other evidence can demonstrate potential links to times and locations where other events may have occurred. Another area covered by medico legal forensic entomology is the relatively new field of entomotoxicology. This particular branch involves the utilization of entomological specimens found at a scene in order to test for different drugs that may have possibly played a role in the death of the victim. Forensic entomology is recognized in many countries as an important tool for legal investigations. Unfortunately, it has not received much attention in Bangladesh as an important investigative tool. This paper reviews the various types of insect’s behavior on corpse also important information we will find from them. This is helpful for the investigators, law personnel and researchers aware of the importance of entomology in criminal investigations. Correct estimation of the post mortem interval is one of the most important aspects of legal medicine.

In many applications of forensic image analysis, state-of-the-art results are nowadays achieved with machine learning methods. However, concerns about their reliability and opacity raise the question whether such methods can be used in criminal investigations. So far, this question of legal compliance has hardly been discussed, also because legal regulations for machine learning methods were not defined explicitly. To this end, the European Commission recently proposed the artificial intelligence (AI) act, a regulatory framework for the trustworthy use of AI. Under the draft AI act, high-risk AI systems for use in law enforcement are permitted but subject to compliance with mandatory requirements. In this paper, we review why the use of machine learning in forensic image analysis is classified as high-risk. We then summarize the mandatory requirements for high-risk AI systems and discuss these requirements in light of two forensic applications, license plate recognition and deep fake detection. The goal of this paper is to raise awareness of the upcoming legal requirements and to point out avenues for future research.

The demand for rapid, portable, and cost-effective analytical tools has driven advances in smartphone-based microfluidic sensors. By combining microfluidic precision with the accessibility and processing power of smartphones, these devices offer real-time and on-site diagnostic capabilities. This review explores recent developments in smartphone-integrated microfluidic sensors, focusing on their design, fabrication, smartphone integration, and analytical functions with the applications in forensic science, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. In forensic science, these sensors provide fast, field-based alternatives to traditional lab methods for detecting substances like DNA, drugs, and explosives, improving investigation efficiency. In agriculture, they support precision farming by enabling on-demand analysis of soil nutrients, water quality, and plant health, enhancing crop management. In environmental monitoring, these sensors allow the timely detection of pollutants in air, water, and soil, enabling quicker responses to hazards. Their portability and user-friendliness make them particularly valuable in resource-limited settings. Overall, this review highlights the transformative potential of smartphone-based microfluidic sensors in enabling accessible, real-time diagnostics across multiple disciplines.

Ecogenomics is the application of genetic information and environmental science to understand the genetic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in various environments. It involves the analysis of DNA and RNA sequences to gain insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems. In the context of the environment, ecogenomics plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. By studying the genetic composition of microbial communities, researchers can assess the health and resilience of ecosystems, identify key species involved in nutrient cycling and energy flow, and monitor the effects of pollution and climate change. Ecogenomics also has significant applications in forensic research. By analyzing the microbial DNA present at crime scenes, forensic scientists can gain valuable information about the individuals involved. Microbes are ubiquitous and can be transferred from person to person, leaving behind a unique microbial signature that can be used for identification purposes. This approach, known as microbial forensics, can complement traditional forensic techniques and provide additional evidence in criminal investigations. By harnessing the power of genomics, researchers can uncover hidden microbial diversity, track ecosystem changes, and provide valuable insights into criminal investigations.

Optical microscopy is suitable for numerous applications ranging from various fields of research such as mineralogy, entomology, botany, medicine, surgery, and various sectors of industrial production. As far as forensic applications are concerned, it maintains a prominent position as an important tool for the examination of the evidence. Actually, optical microscopy has always been a key application in judicial investigations and, until the early 1900s, it has been the forensic scientists’ main tool. At present, although highly advanced analytical techniques support forensic scientists for characterizing and identifying traces linked to a particular offence, optical microscopy continues to play an important role, especially in the early stages of laboratory investigation. Optical microscopy can provide direct information when there are comparative materials associated with suspects, or indirect information when compared with databases dedicated to forensic science applications. The most used optical microscopy tools for forensic purposes on a wide range of materials are the stereoscopic microscope and the polarized light microscope (PLM).

Forensic science has been used for justice delivery system since ages. However it started gaining groundin early fifties as an independent discipline and since then it has derived applications from every field ofscience and technology. Today it is well settled and much sought after and ever growing technology forensicsand forensic investigations are fast changing their face as every other day new types of crimes are beingcommitted. To cope up with the demanding nature of this profession, forensic services need up-gradation atevery stage. This paper focuses on the applicability of Forensic science in criminal investigation and the roleit plays in keeping law and order in a society, also throws light on how forensic science is acting as a bridgebetween the medical scientists and legal scientists.

This text provides an examination of the aetiological development of forensic criminology in the UK. It links the subjects of scientific criminology, criminal investigations, crime scene investigation, forensic science and the legal system and it provides an introduction to the important processes that take place between the crime scene and the courtroom. These processes help identify, define and label the 'criminal' and are crucial for understanding any form of crime within society. The book includes sections on: • the epistemological and ontological philosophies of the natural sciences; • the birth of scientific criminology and its search for the criminal 'body'; • the development of early forms of forensic science and crime scene investigation; • investigating crime; • information, material and evidence; • crime analysis and crime mapping; • scientific support and crime scene examination; and • forensic science and detection methods and forensics in the courtroom. The text combines coverage of historical research and contemporary criminal justice processes and provides an introduction to the most common forensic practices, procedures and uses that enable the identification and successful prosecution of criminals. Forensic Criminology is essential for students of criminology, criminal justice, criminal investigations and crime science. It is also useful to those criminal justice practitioners wishing to gain a more in-depth understanding of the links between criminology, criminal investigations and forensics techniques.

The authors have clarified perspectives for further development of criminalistics in Ukraine under the influence of integration processes of this science from Forensic Science. The genesis of the national model of criminalistics has been briefly studied; a comparative analysis of its content with Forensic Science has been accomplished; and the ways of further development of the system of criminalistics and related sciences in Ukraine have been defined considering the global tendencies of convergence of different models of this field of scientific knowledge. It has been emphasized that the use of the terms of “Criminalistics”, “Forensic Sciences” and “Criminal Investigation” is explained not just by the specifics of terminology in different countries, but primarily due to differences in defining the nature and internal content of these disciplines. According to the authors, the integration of tactical and technical criminalistics tools and methods of combating crime is quite acceptable and not only significantly enriches the arsenal of criminalistics, but determines its existence as an independent science. Such an approach allows us to consider criminalistics not just as one of the many sections of Forensic Sciences, but to single out it as one of the most comprehensive sciences that integrates all other forensic disciplines. The domestic model of criminalistics, in contrast to Forensic Science, represents the issues of a legal nature (criminalistics tactics and methodology), which makes it a science of dual (synthetic) nature. The integration processes observed in the development of criminalistics and Forensic Science are gradually leading to the convergence of these sciences in content. Given this, it is impractical to take further steps to disintegrate criminalistics in Ukraine by separating forensic expertise into a separate science. Otherwise, there will be a complete depletion of the natural and technical component of criminalistics, which may result in the disappearance of this science in general.

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Short tandem repeat (STR) typing remains a crucial tool in forensic DNA profiling worldwide. This technology not only helps in convicting criminals and proving wrongful convictions but also establishes essential links to actual perpetrators of crimes and can act as a deterrent to potential offenders. DNA profiling has also allowed forensic scientists to re-examine closed cases due to insufficient evidence. To conduct this review, an extensive electronic literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Google Search. All relevant works, including reviews, retrospective studies, observational studies, and original articles, were thoroughly reviewed. This paper explores the challenges and perspectives associated with using STRs in forensic investigations. STRs have high polymorphism, Mendelian inheritance, and the ability to analyze multiple loci in one reaction, making them essential tools in forensic science. Additionally, their suitability for analyzing degraded or traces DNA samples enhances their usefulness in criminal investigations and paternity testing. This abstract summarizes the current landscape of STR applications in forensic biotechnology, highlighting the challenges researchers face and the promising features that drive innovation in this field.

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Forensic DNA analysis has revolutionized criminal investigations by providing valuable insights into identifying perpetrators, exonerating the innocent and unravelling mysteries of the past. Various molecular biology techniques, such as Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profiling, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, epigenetics and DNA methylation analysis, have played crucial roles in forensic investigations. While these techniques offer exceptional sensitivity and specificity, they also come with unique challenges. This review explores the current approaches of forensic DNA analysis, highlighting each technique. STR analysis, regarded as the gold standard in forensic DNA profiling, provides high discrimination power. However, it is limited in its ability to analyze degraded or mixed samples. On the other hand, SNP profiling offers advantages in analyzing highly degraded DNA samples but lacks the discriminatory power of STRs. Meanwhile, mtDNA analysis, particularly useful in cases involving compromised nuclear DNA, presents challenges due to its maternal inheritance pattern and lower discriminatory power. Furthermore, explore the exciting realm of epigenetics and the analysis of DNA methylation in forensic investigations. Epigenetic markers offer insights into gene expression patterns influenced by environmental factors, potentially aiding in the determination of tissue origin and chronological age estimation. DNA methylation analysis holds promise in forensic applications, providing additional layers of information for identity verification and tissue differentiation. Despite these advancements, several challenges persist in forensic DNA analysis, including the interpretation of complex DNA mixtures, standardization of methodologies, ethical considerations, and privacy concerns associated with the use of genetic information. Moreover, the integration of multi-omics data and machine learning approaches presents both opportunities and challenges in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of forensic DNA analysis. Looking ahead, future directions in molecular biology research for forensic DNA analysis involve the development of novel techniques with increased sensitivity, scalability, and robustness. By addressing these challenges and embracing emerging technologies, the field of forensic DNA analysis is poised for further advancements, offering enhanced capabilities in criminal justice and humanitarian efforts.

Forensic science has become an indispensable tool in modern criminal investigations and the administration of justice. In the Indian legal framework, forensic evidence plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, offering scientific validation in the pursuit of truth. This paper explores the historical evolution, legal provisions, and operational dynamics of forensic science in India, shedding light on its significance in criminal investigations and trials. The study begins with an overview of forensic science and its integration into the Indian justice delivery system. It examines key milestones in the development of forensic practices in India and landmark cases that have underscored their importance in judicial decision-making. The paper further analyzes the legal framework governing forensic evidence, focusing on provisions within the Indian Evidence Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure, alongside judicial interpretations that have shaped its admissibility and reliability. Additionally, the study investigates the role of investigative agencies, including the responsibilities of police and forensic experts, and highlights the challenges faced in the coordination between law enforcement and forensic laboratories. A critical evaluation of technical, infrastructural, and human resource challenges reveals significant gaps hindering the effective utilization of forensic science in criminal justice. The paper concludes by identifying opportunities for reform, advocating for enhanced training, upgraded infrastructure, and robust legal provisions to strengthen the forensic science ecosystem in India. Through this analysis, the study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and forensic experts to address existing challenges and optimize the potential of forensic science in ensuring justice and accountability within the Indian legal system.