ABSTRACT
Forensic DNA testing has become a significant resource for criminal investigation and prosecution activities in criminal justice systems throughout the world. It has also proven an important tool when investigating paternal and maternal dispute. This study therefore aimed at assessing the awareness, knowledge and perception of DNA analysis among Benin City resident. A total of 100 residents participated in this study. They are males and females of various Nigerian tribes of different occupational and educational levels, aged above 21years residing in Benin City. A structured and segmented questionnaire was used to obtain demographical information such as sex, age, marital status, occupation, religion, level of education and duration of residency. Awareness, knowledge and level of perception on DNA analysis were also assessed after seeking the consent of the participants. Results show that out of the 100 respondents that participated in the study, 45 (45%) of them were male, 55 (55%) female, 49(49%) married, 46(46%) single, and widow 5(5%). Majority of the respondents had tertiary education with 55(55%) secondary education 46(46%), and 5(5%) had postgraduate education. Majority of the respondents were student, civil servant, and trader with vocational activity 25(25%) each, tailor and business 5(5%), barber, caterer, and mechanic 2(2%) each, and the plumber, welder, technician, baker, computer programmer, transport, hair stylist, medical personnel, and electrician 1(1%) each. Majority of the respondents were Christians with 98(98%) and Muslims minority with 2 (2%). 55(55%) of the respondents know the full meaning of DNA, while 45(45%) don’t know. Fifty eight (58%) of the respondent said that DNA can be used to unravelled crime. Generally, 98% of the respondents perceived DNA analysis technology as very good, 8% as good, while 1% each see it as not good and strange. The awareness, knowledge and perception of the participants on DNA analysis in this study is high despite the facts that Government has not publicise the technology in this part of the country.
