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Computer Forensic Institute: Minister Advocates Bill Passage

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*as experts wants Computer operation regulated

Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Minister of Science, Technolgy and Innovations, Ogbonnaya Onu has called for passage of Computer Forensic Institute of Nigeria, (CFIN) Bill which has gone through second reading on the floor of the Green Chambers.

The CFIN also, said Computer operations’ in the country should be regulated to avoid and detect crime such as arson, murder, rape and other illicit crime in the country.

Ogbonaya Onu, represented by Deputy Director, Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) Adebayo Adeyemi at the House of Representatives Committee Public Hearing on (Chartered Institute of Computer Forensics of Nigeria and for other Related Matters Bill (2021) on Tuesday said CFIN was incorporated in 2008, but commenced operation in 2010.

“The Institue, we are aware, is now seeking for a charter and legislative backing through a Bill on an act to establish the Chartered Institue of Computer Forensics of Nigeria and for other Related Matters 2021.

“The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation adopts the draft and further support that the ongoing process to pass this Bill be expedited as it is in the best interest of Nigeria as highlighted in the benefits section of this memorandum.

“Let me highlight also, that one of them is to enhance public safety’ national security through improved and speedy investigation through our observer crime; to improve criminal justice, delivery and Administration.”

He also said passage of the Bill will particularly improve local and indigenous capacity enhancement, to prevent import cybercrime or forensics experts to Nigeria, research and development into indigenous development and production of locally developed digital equipment so that the nations’ hard earned money will not be taken away.

In his presentation, Prof Peter Olu Olayiwola, President Chartered Institue of Computer Forensics of Nigeria (CICFON) stated that since the Bill is in accordance with section 18 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, stipulating that ‘government shall promote science and technology,’ it should be given accelerated hearing and subsequent passage into law.

“The objective of the Bill is to obtain a Charter or Legislative backing for the incorporated Computer Forensics Institue of Nigeria, thereby transform it into a Chartered Institue and pioneering Computer Forensics Institue of Nigeria.

“It’s incorporated in 2008. Since 2009, it has been conducting trainings in digital mobile computer forensics and since 2010, provided certifications to its members.

“Most of the members are the heads and work in the digital and computer forensics of EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, CBN, NCC, and othergovernment agencies.

“Basically, our members current areas of practice and responsibilities include detection and investigation of all forms of crimes, electronic and cybercrime, terrestrial crimes; kidnapping, burglary and others, extraction analysis and electronic evidence, biometrics and identity forensics, cyber intelligence and assisting Judges, Prosecutors and Defence Lawyers in foresensically, extracting and reporting electronic evidence in courts,” he said.

However, Kole Jagun President Computer Professionals (Registration) Council of Nigeria (CPN) is opposing the passage of this law; pointing that there is already an existing law so, “if you are passing this Bill, that means there is going to be conflict and abrogation of existing law.”

Air Commodore Amos Bulus, representative of Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his presentation observed that justice will not prevail if the Bill on CFIN is allowed saying; “national security of the country will actually be left in the hands of the Institute and that will not be in our best interest and on that note, I want to lend my voice to the earlier position taken by CPN.”

Chairman of the House Committee Hon.Beni Lar in her earlier remark said that the bill seeking to establish the institute is timely due to numerous security challenges.

On the second propsosed Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute of Oil and Gas Technology and Entreprenural Studies Egbema Imo State,’ she said it would bridge the gap in the supply of middle level manpower in the oil and gas sector.

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Ihesiulo Grace

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