By Olanrewaju Adesanya
A bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of the Lagos State Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid (DNA) and Forensic Centre, to support criminal investigators, law enforcement and the preservation of evidence for the judicial system and for other connected purposes scaled through second reading in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
While debating the Bill during plenary, the lawmakers stated that it would provide a database and save cost of medical surgery in case of criminal investigation as it will foster investigation and criminal justice dispensation of judicial matters.
Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said that the bill will further improve the security situation in the State, “When we have an institute that serves as a durability centre, it will accelerate the judicial system,” he said.
Looking at the current global acceptable scientific way of proving criminal cases, marital and child paternity; Hon. Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur (Mushin 2) said that DNA test that was invented in 1984 by Donald Fredrick has been a good scientific way of discovering crime as well as assisting the law enforcement and judicial system, adding that it should be encouraged.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), in his submission, stated that any nation that did not embrace forensic science and investigation could not fight crime.
He added that in a country, where forensic works, samples of the DNA are kept in case the suspect commits another crime which would be invaluable to the state.
Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) said that the bill allows for a database, where it is crucial for everyone to submit his or her information for identification purposes.
He added that the scientific situation should be taken seriously as it will help in the administration of justice, especially in a society like Lagos State with a high population.
Subsequently, the Bill was committed to House Committees on Health Services and Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC to report its findings to the House in due course.
In the same vein two other reports were equally laid before the house for consideration.
Hon. Owolabi Ajani Chairman House committee on Tertiary Institutions laid a report on Lagos State College of Health Technology Bill,2020.
On “A Bill for a law to Repeal and Re-Enact the Lagos State College of Health Technology and for connected purposes”.
While Hon.Rasheed Makinde Chairman House committee on Housing, laid another report on Lagos State Mortgage and Property (Ammendment) Bill,2021.
On ” A Bill for Law to amend the Mortgage and Property Law,CAP. M5,laws of Lagos State,2015″.