“Forensic Entomology Gains Momentum in Nigeria as LASUSTECH Scholar Pushes Scientific Policing Reform.”

“Forensic Entomology Gains Momentum in Nigeria as LASUSTECH Scholar Pushes Scientific Policing Reform.”

A senior academic at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has urged the Federal Government to formally incorporate forensic entomology the scientific use of insects in criminal investigations into Nigeria’s policing and judicial architecture.
Speaking at an academic forum in Lagos, the professor stressed that insects found on decomposing bodies can provide reliable biological markers to estimate time of death, reconstruct crime scenes, and strengthen evidentiary standards in homicide and suspicious death investigations.
The scholar argued that as Nigeria confronts increasingly complex security challenges, the modernization of forensic systems must become a national priority. According to the professor, structured investment in forensic entomology would significantly enhance investigative precision, particularly in cases where conventional forensic tools are unavailable or limited.
The Science Behind Insect-Based Investigations
Forensic entomology examines the life cycles and succession patterns of insects particularly blowflies and beetles that colonize human remains shortly after death. By analysing larval development stages alongside environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, forensic experts can estimate the post mortem interval (PMI), a critical factor in narrowing investigative timelines.
Globally, insect based forensic analysis is an established component of criminal investigations. Agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) incorporate entomological evidence into casework where appropriate. International media outlets including BBC News, CNN, and The Guardian have reported extensively on forensic entomology’s role in solving complex homicide cases across Europe and North America.
The LASUSTECH academic maintained that Nigeria must align with such global standards through targeted funding, specialized laboratory infrastructure, and interdisciplinary collaboration between entomologists, forensic pathologists, and law enforcement agencies.
Addressing Nigeria’s Forensic Limitations
Nigeria’s forensic system has long faced structural challenges, including limited laboratory capacity, delayed evidence processing, and insufficient specialist training. Legal analysts note that strengthening scientific investigative methods is essential to improving conviction rates, reducing wrongful prosecutions, and reinforcing judicial credibility.
Experts say forensic entomology could be particularly valuable in cases involving advanced decomposition, remote crime scenes, or delayed body recovery circumstances common in rural and hard-to-access areas.
The professor recommended that federal and state governments establish certified forensic entomology units within police commands and collaborate with universities to introduce postgraduate training programmes in forensic science and applied entomology.
Strengthening Justice Through Science
As Nigeria seeks to reform its criminal justice system, the adoption of evidence based investigative tools remains central to enhancing transparency and accountability. Analysts argue that integrating scientific methodologies such as forensic entomology would not only improve criminal investigations but also safeguard human rights by ensuring that prosecutions are grounded in verifiable data.
The call from LASUSTECH  adds momentum to ongoing conversations about modernizing Nigeria’s forensic capabilities and aligning them with internationally accepted best practices.