Abel Samuel Odeh is a highly esteemed figure in the domain of Nigerian forensics and law enforcement. As a Superintendent of the Nigeria Police, he has devoted himself to advancing the field of forensic investigation and helping in delivering justice in Nigeria. He holds a Master’s degree in forensic Psychology along with various international certifications and is deeply involved in the forensic community.
He has been awarded the Forensic Excellence Award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for his contributions in improving the investigative processes and outcomes both on land and sea and his expertise in crime scene management, questioned document analysis, and maritime crime simulations.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Odeh holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology which equipped him with a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and enhanced his ability to handle crime scene investigations from a behavioral science perspective. Apart from his advanced-level education, he also has numerous certifications in forensic techniques and crime scene management to his credit, thereby making him a well-rounded professional in the field.
He is a certified member of both the International Association for Identification and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which are two prestigious organizations in the field of forensic and law enforcement practices. He also took training in questioned document analysis from the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, India, that further enhanced his skills and enabled him to analyze and authenticate documents, which are usually a critical part of forensic investigation.
He also holds a certification in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) from the University of Torino, Italy. This training helped in honing his skills required to handle mass casualty situations, ensuring that victims are identified accurately and respectfully. Nigeria is prone to various natural and human-induced disasters, and his involvement in DVI ensures the necessary disaster preparedness and quick response.
Leadership in Forensics
Currently, Odeh serves as the head of the Crime Scene Unit of the Nigeria Police Force’s forensic division. In this role, he supervises the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence found at crime scenes with the highest level of integrity. He holds expertise in fingerprint analysis, digital evidence retrieval, and questioned document analysis, which makes him a crucial figure in solving complex cases.
He is a certified INTERPOL Crime Scene Instructor and is involved in training and mentoring new forensic investigators. During his training sessions, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of a crime scene, proper evidence handling, and the application of forensic techniques in real-world situations. He ensures that the next generation of crime scene investigators in Nigeria is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at the highest levels of proficiency.
Expertise in Maritime Crime Scene Simulation
One of Odeh's notable areas of expertise is maritime crime scene simulation, specifically in the Gulf of Guinea, a region that is famous for its high levels of maritime crime, including piracy, oil theft, kidnapping, and smuggling. His work in this field involves developing and supporting crime scene simulations that focus on the unique challenges presented by maritime environments.
The Gulf of Guinea is one of the most dangerous maritime regions in the world. There are several incidents of piracy and related crimes that create security concerns. Odeh's involvement in maritime crime scene simulations helps in enhancing the awareness of law enforcement and forensic teams. These simulations help in equipping the investigators with skills to handle maritime crime scene-related challenges like evidence collection on ships, oil rigs, and offshore locations.
By conducting these simulations, Odeh plays a key role in enhancing maritime security, helping to improve the way the justice system responds to crimes committed at sea, and strengthening the capabilities of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies to handle such crimes. These simulations replicate real-world incidents, providing a controlled environment for forensic teams to practice their skills. These trainings not only help in successful evidence collection from the scene but also increase the chances of successful prosecutions.
Contributions to International Forensics
Odeh's work extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, as he actively contributes to international forensic collaborations. He holds membership in organizations such as the International Association for Identification and the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which keeps him updated about the latest forensic techniques and best practices from around the world. He then implements the knowledge he gains into the Nigeria Police Force, helping in the enhancement of forensic investigations in the country.
Disaster Victim Identification in Nigeria
He holds expertise in disaster victim identification (DVI), which is another crucial aspect of his career. There are plans undergoing to train a DVI team in Nigeria that will focus on responding to mass casualty incidents, such as natural disasters, accidents, or terrorist attacks, and cases where victim identification is quite a challenging and time-consuming process.
Odeh’s leadership in this initiative is extremely crucial, as it will ensure that Nigeria is prepared to handle these situations with the professionalism and sensitivity that they require. The establishment of a DVI team in Nigeria will not only enhance the country’s disaster response capabilities but also ensure that victims are identified and returned to their families as quickly as possible.
A Critical Role in the Judicial System
Odeh is not only recognized for his forensic skills but also for his expert testimony in court. The forensic reports he prepares are always detailed and play a crucial role in the judicial process, thereby ensuring justice is served. Whether it's providing testimony in cases involving questioned documents, fingerprint evidence, or digital forensics, his contributions help in ensuring that the evidence presented in court is accurate, reliable, and scientifically sound.
His ability to communicate complex forensic concepts in a clear and understandable manner makes him a sought-after expert witness in criminal cases. His testimony often serves as a key factor in securing convictions or exonerations, depending on the nature of the case.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, acknowledges Abel Samuel Odeh for his contributions to the field of forensic science, both in Nigeria and internationally, leadership in crime scene investigation, expertise in maritime crime, and dedication to improving forensic practices. We wish his ongoing efforts in enhancing forensic training, especially in DVI and maritime crime, will pave the way for securing the future of Nigeria and beyond.