Forensic Study on Fingerprint Pattern Distribution in Relation to Gender and Ethnic Differences among Cadets in Nigeria Police Academy Wudil Kano

Authors: Joseph HT and Ubaidullah KL*

Volume 3, Issue 2

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics is the science that studies the epidermal ridge pattern on fingers, palms and soles. The study of this epidermal ridge pattern on fingers is known as “fingerprinting”. Fingerprinting plays a vital role in the science of criminal investigation particularly in the identification of individuals due to uniqueness and is considered conclusive evidence in the court of law. Dermatoglyphics studies of the fingerprint were taken during the study using standard ink method. A total of 2100 fingerprints were collected and analyzed, compared, evaluated and verified (ACE-V) from 210 cadet officers of Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano state, Nigeria. The fingerprints were collected then distributed and classified into three (3) main pattern types as Loop, Arch and Whorl, among the major ethnic groups in Nigeria (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba). The percentage distribution of the pattern showed that, the loop pattern was most common among the male cadets from the Hausa group with 16% while it was least common among the males from the Igbo group with 13.6%. Loop pattern also recorded the most common among the females of the Hausa group with 7% while it was least common among the females from the Igbo group with 6.0%. The arch was most common among the males from the Yoruba group with 3.6% while it was least common among the males of the Hausa group with 2.6%, arch pattern also recorded the most common among the female from the Yoruba group with 1.3% while it was least common among the females from the Hausa group with 0.7%. The whorl was most common among the males from the Igbo group with 6.9% while it was least common among the males from the Hausa group with 4.5%, whorl pattern also recorded the most common among the females from the Igbo group with 2.5% while the it was least common among the females from Hausa group with1.8%. Statistically no significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between the gender and ethnic group distribution of fingerprint patterns among cadet officers of the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano state, Nigeria.

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics; Fingerprint Pattern; Gender; Ethnic Group

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