The Secretary to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Okwudiri Oparaodu, has urged a major strengthening of the Commission’s forensic capabilities to confront the rising wave of sophisticated corruption and financial fraud in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to The News Chronicle by the Commission’s spokesperson, Mr. Oparaodu emphasized that forensic investigation has moved from being a supplementary tool to the backbone of modern law enforcement.
Speaking at the launch of a two-day capacity-building workshop for ICPC operations personnel, themed “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds,” he stressed that mastering modern forensic techniques is critical to navigating increasingly complex criminal methodologies.
“With criminals employing increasingly intricate methods, the integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application. Any lapse in the forensic chain can undermine months of investigative work in a court of law.” He said.
The workshop, sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), is designed to equip ICPC staff with advanced skills in technology-driven investigative techniques.
Mr. Oparaodu further praised the CDD for its inclusive approach, noting that involving both operational and administrative personnel ensures a comprehensive understanding of forensic processes across the Commission.
“The knowledge gained here must be immediately applied to strengthen the Commission’s core mandate of combating corruption and safeguarding public integrity,” he added.
Earlier, Mr. Ahmed Abdul, Head of ICPC’s External Cooperation Unit, welcomed participants and urged them to actively engage with the sessions to refine their skills and translate learning into measurable impact within the Commission’s operations.
Representing the CDD, Mrs. Titilayo Olaniyan stressed the urgency of the initiative, citing the increasingly transnational and complex nature of corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and beyond.
“Effective forensic techniques, proper evidence management, and modern investigative methods are essential for strengthening law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts,” she said.
Mrs. Olaniyan also reaffirmed the CDD’s commitment to building institutional capacity in anti-corruption agencies and promoting good governance.
She commended the ICPC leadership for their dedication to protecting public resources and nurturing a culture of integrity within the Nigerian public service.
