The Lagos State Criminal Information System (LCIS) has listed Lekki, Oshodi, and Ikorodu as top crime hotspots in the state.
Rahman Oshodi, a judge at the Lagos High Court, revealed the data from the LCIS when he spoke at a two-day justice reform summit in Lagos on Tuesday.
Established in 2004, the LCIS is a crime data register that keeps information about inmates who have been convicted or are awaiting trial.
According to Oshodi, the data showed that Lekki had the highest number of reported criminal cases with 13 per cent, followed by Ikorodu, Oshodi/Isolo, Ojo, and Apapa with 10 per cent each.
He named other areas, including Alimosho, with nine per cent; Agege and Ikeja, eight per cent each; Mushin, six per cent; Lagos Island, five per cent; Yaba, four per cent; and Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Ajeromi, with two per cent each.
1. Lekki
2. Oshodi/Isolo
3. Ojo
4. Apapa
5. Alimosho
6. Agege
7. Ikeja
8. Mushin
9. Lagos island
10. Yaba
11. Ikoyi
12. Victoria island
13. Ajeromi
The data also showed the offenders’ state of origin, with Ogun topping the list with 5,294 offenders, representing 17 per cent. Oyo follows with 4,090 offenders (13 per cent), while Lagos recorded 3,295 offenders (11 per cent).
The data indicates that between 2018 and May 9, 2024, 62,117 inmates were enrolled in the database, and stealing-related offenses had the highest number of cases with 21,084 offenders.
The judge added that the offense of breach of peace had 7,044 offenders, followed by armed robbery with 4,518, and sexual crimes with 2,231.
On sexual offenses, he explained that young girls are more at risk, adding that 64 per cent of sex-related cases in the state are for defilement, followed by sexual assault (16%) and that 88 per cent of defilement-related cases in the state involved men between the ages of 26 and 65.
The judge then went on to give recommendations, including, “Strengthening collaboration and data sharing among criminal justice agencies through regular inter-agency meetings, joint training programs, and integrated data management systems.
“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.
“Enhancing capacity building and training for criminal justice professionals, including law enforcement, the judiciary, corrections, and community service.
“Promoting public awareness and engagement in criminal justice reforms through community forums, media campaigns, and educational initiatives.
“Institutionalizing the Bondsmen Scheme to enhance the bail process’s efficiency and effectiveness, with clear guidelines, standards, and oversight mechanisms.
“Our justice professionals must be equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to uphold justice effectively.”
He added, “Building additional custodial centers to address overcrowding and improve inmate living conditions, leveraging the success of the Correctional Centre for Boys.
“These reforms have immense potential benefits, and I am confident we can achieve them holistically and collaboratively.”
