Relationship of thumb prints and lip prints among Nigerians

Abstract

Establishment of association between two variables in the forensic science is of paramount importance. The study was aimed to determine association of lip prints types and left thumb prints among Nigerians. A total of 820 subjects (414 male and 406 female) participated in the study. The lip prints were obtained on microscopic glass slide and developed using carbon black powder. For finger prints normal conventional method of using ink pad was employed. The data were analyzed using chi square test and P <0.05 was considered as level of significance. The result shows the percentage distribution of lip prints as Type V (31.39%) as the predominant and the least was Type I' (0.57%). For thumbprints in both sexes loop exhibit high percentages and arches the least. The association between lip prints and left thumb print shows statistically significant correlation in Lower Right Medial (LRM) (χ 2 = 7.95, P= 0.0002) and Lower Left Lateral (LLL) (χ 2 =5.42, P=0.02) compartments only. In conclusion, the lip print was found to be statistically associated with left thumb prints. Hence, relationship of finger prints and lip prints can hold potential promise as supplementary tool in personal authentication.