Electoral Related Crimes: Forensic Investigation

-

  

The Forensic Investigator Society of Nigeria held a capacity-building seminar focused on "Investigation of Election-Related Crime," with participants joining virtually at 10 AM.

The registrar, Oluwademilola Oloyede, welcomed participants to a one-day capacity-building seminar on the investigation of election-related crime organized by the Forensic Investigator Society. She emphasized that the workshop is not sponsored by any political party and should not trigger political arguments or discussions.  

The event featured presentations from Dr. Lydia Chinayemba (Vice President), Dr. Adekunle Alaye, Barrister Queen Oniwon, and Mr. Emmanuel Olomu, covering topics including forensic investigation of election-related crimes, ballot paper analysis, and key principles for investigating electoral malpractices under the Electoral Act 2026. The seminar emphasized that the Forensic Investigator Society is an independent organization not affiliated with any political party, and participants were reminded to avoid political arguments during discussions. The session included practical demonstrations of forensic techniques for examining ballot papers and fingerprints, as well as discussions on the challenges of election-related crimes in Nigeria.

Combating Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

Dr. Adekunle Alaye presented on corruption and electoral fraud in Nigeria, recommending government prioritization of election-related crimes, public reorientation, and engaging Nigerian youth in building a strong value system. He emphasized the importance of state policing and political education to combat electoral fraud. During the Q&A session, Abraham asked about developing voter trust and mobilizing community groups despite religious and ethnic diversities, while Abubakar inquired about the history of forensic techniques applied to detect electoral fraud in Nigeria

Electoral Ballot Forensic Investigation Techniques

Emmanuel Olomu, the Chairman, Governing Council and a questioned document examiner presented on forensic techniques for investigating electoral ballot papers, focusing on polling unit codes and fingerprint analysis. He explained how polling unit codes in Nigeria contain information about state, local government, ward, and polling unit numbers, and demonstrated how these codes can be used to trace ballot paper origins, detect diversions, and identify potential forgeries. The presentation also covered fingerprint analysis on ballot papers, explaining the different fingerprint patterns (arch, loop, whorl) and how minutiae points can be used for identification, with similar fingerprints across multiple ballots being identified as a red flag for potential election malpractice.

 

The presentation focused on forensic examination procedures for investigating electoral fraud, specifically regarding ballot paper analysis and fingerprint identification. The speaker outlined a three-part investigation scope: determining if multiple ballot papers bear impressions of the same finger, checking for evidence of tampering, and examining fingerprint patterns. The discussion detailed specific procedures including confirming chain of custody, photographing ballot boxes and documentation, and analyzing grouped fingerprints using minute details to differentiate between ballots.

AIG Shehu Gwazo (RTD) contributed insights on scanning ballot papers at 500-600 DPI in JPEG format and obtaining CTC stamps from INEC representatives. DCI Isah Ibrahim Zaik emphasized the importance of holistic examination beyond fingerprints, including analyzing the substrate, stamps, and signatures of officers involved.

Electoral Malpractices Investigation Presentation

Barrister Oseiza Queen Oniwon delivered a presentation on investigating electoral malpractices in Nigeria, focusing on the Electoral Act of 2026 and key principles for forensic investigators. She outlined various electoral malpractices including non-disclosure of party affiliation, multiple registrations, and financial violations, emphasizing the importance of electronic result transmission and substantial compliance with electoral laws. The session concluded with questions from Abraham and Ibrahim about collaboration in forensic work and strategies for handling cross-examination in court. Oluwademilade announced upcoming events including an induction on May 30th and Question Documents Examination training starting April 4th, with details provided for membership and course enrolment.

 

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Forensic Investigators’ Society, Nigeria Adopts Standard Operating Procedures at 2026 Annual Conference

-
Image
  Forensic Investigators’ Society, Nigeria Adopts Standard Operating Procedures at 2026 Annual Conference The Forensic Investigators’ Society, Nigeria (FISN) has announced the adoption of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for forensic investigations following deliberations at its Annual Conference 2026 . The conference, which brought together forensic experts, criminologists, legal practitioners, law enforcement officers, and academics, focused on strengthening forensic investigation practices in Nigeria and promoting professional standards in the administration of justice. During the conference sessions, participants emphasized the urgent need for uniform procedures in forensic investigations , particularly in the areas of crime scene management, evidence collection and preservation, chain of custody, forensic documentation, and expert reporting. At the end of the deliberations, the conference resolved to adopt a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) desig...
Read more

FORENSIC INVESTIGATORS' SOCIETY, NIGERIA (FISN) TO ENSURE UNIFORM FORENSIC STANDARD AND VALIDATED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

-
Image
  FISN TO ENSURE UNIFORM FORENSIC STANDARD AND VALIDATED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE A cross section of the participants at the Annual Forensic Investigators' Conference 2026 The Forensic Investigators’ Society, Nigeria (FISN) had resolved to ensure that uniform forensic standards and validated standard operating procedures were adopted across all forensic disciplines to enhance reliability, reproducibility and evidential integrity in forensic investigation in Nigeria. This was part of the resolution of the society reached at the end 7th International Conference of the Forensic Investigators’ Society, Nigeria themed Strengthening the Foundation: Infrastructure, Capacity Building and Standardisation in Nigerian Forensic held between Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th February, 2026 at the Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria. Other resolution reached by members at the end of the conference include a ccreditation and competence, expert evidence and courtroom practice, capa...
Read more

PRESS RELEASE: Forensic Investigators’ Society of Nigeria (FISN) Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding with CONPEF, Italy

-
  PRESS RELEASE Forensic Investigators’ Society of Nigeria (FISN) Signs Landmark Memorandum of Understanding with CONPEF, Italy Lagos, Nigeria – 21/03/2026 The Forensic Investigators’ Society of Nigeria (FISN) is pleased to announce the successful signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coordinamento Nazionale Periti ed Esperti Forensi (CONPEF) , Italy. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of forensic science, professional capacity building, and international cooperation in forensic investigations. The MoU establishes a framework for mutual collaboration between both organizations in key areas including training and capacity development, research and knowledge exchange, professional certification, and the promotion of best practices in forensic science and criminal investigation. Speaking on the development, the Chairman, Governing Council of FISN described the partnership as “a timely and strategic alliance that wil...
Read more