- The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for stronger forensic investigation tools to tackle complex corruption and financial fraud
- ICPC Secretary, Mr. Okwudiri Oparaodu, highlighted the importance of advanced forensic techniques and modern technology to unravel intricate financial crimes
- The initiative reflects commitment to strengthening accountability systems and enhancing anti-corruption capacities in Nigeria
The Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Okwudiri Oparaodu, has emphasised the need for stronger forensic investigation capabilities to enable the commission to effectively address increasingly sophisticated cases of corruption and financial fraud.
Oparaodu made the call during the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop for ICPC operations personnel themed “Harnessing Forensic Capabilities in the Investigation of Corrupt Practices and Financial Frauds”, sponsored by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
The ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, disclosed the development in a press statement made available on Tuesday, March 10.
Highlighting the rising complexity of corrupt practices and financial crimes, Oparaodu said forensic investigation has become a critical tool in modern law enforcement.
He stressed that investigators must rely on advanced forensic techniques and modern technology to unravel intricate financial crimes and build cases capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
“The integrity of your investigation rests on the robustness of your forensic application,” Oparaodu said, warning that lapses in the forensic chain could jeopardise months of investigative work in court.
He urged participants to engage actively in the training and pay close attention to investigative procedures to ensure their findings remain credible, verifiable, and legally defensible.
Oparaodu also expressed gratitude to the Centre for Democracy and Development for sponsoring the programme, noting that involving both operational and administrative staff would promote a broader understanding of forensic applications across the commission.
Earlier, the Head of the ICPC External Cooperation Unit, Ahmed Abdul, encouraged participants to make the most of the training to sharpen their investigative skills and apply the knowledge to enhance the Commission’s anti-corruption operations.
Also speaking, CDD representative Titilayo Olaniyan described the workshop as timely, noting that corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria and across the region are becoming increasingly complex and transnational.
She stressed that the effective use of forensic techniques, proper evidence management, and modern investigative methods is vital to strengthening law enforcement and prosecuting corruption cases.
Olaniyan added that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening accountability systems and enhancing the capacity of anti-corruption institutions in Nigeria.