The Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Okwudiri Oparaodu, has called for enhanced forensic capabilities within the commission to effectively investigate and prosecute increasingly complex corruption and financial fraud cases.
Oparaodu made the call while speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for the commission’s operational personnel.
The training with the theme: “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds,” was sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
He noted that forensic investigation had become a critical component of modern law enforcement, particularly in dealing with the sophisticated techniques employed by criminals in financial crimes.
According to him, the dynamic and evolving nature of criminal activities demands that investigators continuously upgrade their knowledge and deploy modern technological tools in their work.
Oparaodu stressed that forensic processes are highly technical and play a crucial role in building strong cases capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
“The integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application,” he said, warning that lapses in forensic procedures or evidence handling could undermine months of investigative work in court.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the training by paying close attention to investigative procedures and ensuring that their work produces credible, verifiable, and defensible outcomes.
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The ICPC secretary also commended the CDD for sponsoring the programme and for its continued partnership with the commission.
Oparaodu expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the training would strengthen the commission’s mandate of combating corruption and protecting public integrity.
Earlier, the Head of the ICPC External Cooperation Unit, Ahmed Abdul, welcomed participants and described the workshop as a product of the support provided by the CDD.
He urged attendees to actively participate in the sessions and make the most of the opportunity to improve their professional skills.
Abdul encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training in their daily operations to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness.
Also, Titilayo Olaniyan, who represented the Centre for Democracy and Development, said the workshop was timely given the increasing complexity and cross-border nature of corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and across the region.
She noted that the effective use of forensic techniques, proper evidence management and modern investigative methods were essential for strengthening law enforcement and prosecutorial processes.
Olaniyan said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening accountability mechanisms and building the institutional capacity of anti-corruption agencies.
