The Lagos State Government has disclosed that most criminal suspects arrested across the state between January 2024 and May 2025 are indigenes of Ogun and Oyo states. Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Lekki were identified as the top three crime hotspots during the period.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), made this known on Wednesday during the ministerial press briefing to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
“In order to increase efficiency in the criminal justice system in the state, the government has leveraged technology and new initiatives in the Ministry of Justice, notwithstanding the challenges presented by other agencies involved in the criminal justice system,” Pedro said.
He explained that the state had integrated digital tools into crime prevention and judicial processes. “We aim to integrate technology into crime prevention, investigation, and trial, including the creation of virtual rooms within the Ministry of Justice to protect witnesses and reduce costs,” he added.
Pedro highlighted the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS) as one of the ministry’s key technological advancements. “LCIS was created and has been perfected as a platform to automate the processes and procedures within the Criminal Justice System in Lagos State,” he said.
Describing the system, he noted: “It is a databank of all criminal cases pending in Magistrates and High Courts in Lagos State, where the defendant is in custody or granted bail. It details records of all defendants, including their biometric, physical, personal picture, and the offence charged.”
Pedro said the LCIS has recorded over 73,962 criminal cases and inmates between 2018 and May 2025. “Between January 2024 and May 2025 alone, over 10,000 suspects and cases were processed,” he stated.
According to him, as of May 2025, the combined population in Lagos correctional facilities stood at 9,096, which is 106 percent above the facilities’ built capacity.
“Sixty-four percent of the convictions recorded during the period were plea bargain convictions,” he added.
