The Position of Forensic DNA Database in Criminal Investigation: Understanding the Utilization in Africa, Particularly Nigeria a Review

Abstract

Forensic DNA databases constitute a central investigative resource in modern-day criminal justice systems, and agrees to a “conservation of resources”, by expediting the resolution of crime and judicial proceedings via consolidating the evidence or introducing plea bargaining. Quite a number of reports have demonstrated the efficiency of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigation around the world. However, studies are still lacking in Africa, particularly Nigeria on the utilization of DNA database in crime investigation. Therefore, this article provides a first-hand report. In conducting this study, a comprehensive electronic literature search using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Google search for similar and related works were used, and all works meeting the subject matter were considered, including; reviews, meta-analyses, retrospective studies, observational studies, organization recommendations, and original articles. Remarkably, the peculiarity of the various forms of crime committed in Nigeria tends to involve or leave behind biological evidence at the scene of a crime. This biological evidence is a key sample for DNA profiling and subsequent storage in a forensic DNA database. Therefore, a National DNA Database has become very necessary in Nigeria.