The Lagos State Criminal Information System (LCIS) has identified Lekki, Oshodi/Isolo, and Apapa as the areas with the highest crime rates in Lagos State. This disclosure was made on Tuesday during a two-day Justice Reform Summit organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in Ikeja.
The summit unveiled critical crime statistics and comprehensive reform plans to overhaul the state’s criminal justice system. According to data presented by Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court, between 2018 and 2024, 62,117 inmates were enrolled in LCIS, with Lekki accounting for 13 percent of reported cases.
“Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, and Ojo each follow with 10 percent, while Alimosho represents nine percent. Agege and Ikeja are at eight percent each, Mushin six percent, Lagos Island five percent, and Yaba four percent,” said Justice Oshodi. He added that Epe, Ajeromi, and Victoria Island ranked lowest at two percent each, with Ikoyi slightly higher at three percent.
The statistics also revealed the state of origin of defendants, showing that Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos indigenes topped the list of crime suspects. “Ogun State accounts for 17 percent of the total crimes in Lagos, amounting to 5,294 cases. Oyo State follows with 13 percent (4,090 cases), and Lagos State ranks third with 11 percent (3,295 cases),” noted Oshodi. States like Kano, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Abia were the lowest contributors.Stealing-related offences dominated the criminal court records, with 21,084 cases representing 44 percent.
“This is followed by breaches of peace with 7,044 cases (15 percent), armed robbery at 10 percent (4,518 cases), and sexual crimes being the least at five percent with 2,231 cases,” Oshodi detailed.
Justice Oshodi also highlighted several recommendations, including strengthening collaboration and data sharing among criminal justice agencies. “Expanding the use of technology across the criminal justice system, including extending LCIS, BIMS, and OBS coverage, and increasing electronic case filing and management systems adoption,” he suggested.
“Enhancing capacity building and training for criminal justice professionals, including law enforcement, the judiciary, corrections, and community service,” he added. Promoting public awareness and engagement in criminal justice reforms through community forums, media campaigns, and educational initiatives was also emphasized.
“Institutionalizing the Bondsmen Scheme to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the bail process, with clear guidelines, standards, and oversight mechanisms,” Oshodi said. He stressed the importance of equipping justice professionals with the latest skills and knowledge to uphold justice effectively.
“Building additional custodial centers to address overcrowding and improve inmate living conditions, leveraging the success of the Correctional Centre for Boys,” he concluded.
“These reforms have immense potential benefits, and I am confident we can achieve them holistically and collaboratively.
