The Lagos State Government has revealed that many criminal suspects arrested in the state between January 2024 and May 2025 are from Ogun and Oyo states. Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Lekki areas emerged as the primary crime hotspots during this period. This information was shared by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), in a press briefing marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
Pedro highlighted the efforts made by the Lagos government to enhance the criminal justice system’s efficiency by leveraging technology. He acknowledged the challenges faced by other agencies involved in criminal justice processes but emphasised that integrating digital tools had significantly improved crime prevention and judicial operations. The state has introduced new technologies to aid crime investigations and trials, including creating virtual rooms within the Ministry of Justice to protect witnesses and reduce costs.
One of the key technological advancements in the Ministry of Justice is the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS). This system, which has been developed and perfected, serves as a comprehensive platform to automate various processes within the criminal justice system. It functions as a database that records all criminal cases in the Magistrates and High Courts of Lagos, providing detailed information about defendants, including their biometric data, personal pictures, and the charges they face.
Pedro reported that, from 2018 to May 2025, the LCIS has processed over 73,962 criminal cases and inmates. Between January 2024 and May 2025 alone, over 10,000 suspects and cases were processed. As of May 2025, the population in Lagos correctional facilities had reached 9,096, surpassing the facilities’ capacity by 106%. Notably, 64% of the convictions recorded during this period resulted from plea bargains.
