Lagos Government Reveals Most Criminal Suspects Are From Ogun and Oyo: Ikeja, Lekki, and Lagos Island Named Crime Hotspots
Over 10,000 Criminal Cases Processed in Lagos Between January 2024 and May 2025
In a striking revelation that sheds light on the evolving landscape of crime in Lagos State, the Lagos State Government has disclosed that the majority of criminal suspects apprehended in the state from January 2024 to May 2025 are not from Lagos, but rather from the neighboring states of Ogun and Oyo. This disclosure was made during a press briefing held to commemorate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in his second term.
Speaking at the event, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), provided a comprehensive overview of the security situation in the state. His remarks have sparked widespread discussion, especially regarding the implications for inter-state migration and security management in Nigeria’s most populous city.
"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 stated.
Ikeja, Lekki, and Lagos Island Identified as Crime Hotspots
The Commissioner also revealed that areas such as Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Lekki were the top three locations where the highest number of crimes occurred within the 17-month period. This insight into crime hotspots is crucial for residents, real estate developers, business owners, and security agencies aiming to stay informed about the evolving security challenges in these commercial and residential hubs.
Why Are Ogun and Oyo Indigenes Dominating Crime Records in Lagos?
While Pedro did not delve deeply into the causes behind the trend of suspects coming from Ogun and Oyo states, many observers believe this could be tied to the high rate of urban migration into Lagos. With Lagos seen as the land of opportunities, individuals from surrounding states often flock in without sufficient means of livelihood, potentially increasing their vulnerability to criminal activities.
This raises important questions about the need for regional cooperation among South-West states to address economic disparities and strengthen border-level security enforcement.
Technology as a Tool for Justice Reform in Lagos State
One of the major highlights of Pedro's address was the ongoing digital transformation in Lagos State’s justice system. The Attorney General emphasized that the government has adopted a technology-first approach to improving how crimes are processed, tried, and recorded.
"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," Pedro said.
This approach is not only designed to improve efficiency but also to provide safer and less intimidating environments for witnesses, thereby encouraging better cooperation in criminal investigations.
Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS): A Digital Game-Changer
Pedro pointed out one of the biggest achievements of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in recent years—the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS). This technological platform has revolutionized how criminal cases are documented and tracked in Lagos.
"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.
According to him, the LCIS serves as a comprehensive databank that houses information on all criminal cases pending before the Magistrates’ and High Courts in Lagos, particularly those involving defendants either in custody or out on bail.
"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 explained.
This means that with a few clicks, officials can pull up a suspect's photograph, biometrics, personal data, and case history—a significant upgrade from the traditional paperwork-based system, which was prone to delays, loss of records, and human error.
LCIS Records Over 73,962 Cases Since 2018
According to Pedro, the LCIS platform has recorded more than 73,962 criminal cases and inmates from 2018 to May 2025. This shows how far the system has come and its capacity to support data-driven decision-making within the justice sector.
"Between January 2024 and May 2025 alone, over 10,000 suspects and cases were processed," he disclosed.
This rapid processing of cases indicates a more agile legal system, where suspects are no longer left to languish in jail due to bureaucratic delays. It also demonstrates the Lagos Government’s commitment to improving justice delivery and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
Lagos Correctional Centers Now 106% Over Capacity
Despite these efforts, the Commissioner revealed a troubling statistic: the Lagos prison population now stands at 9,096 inmates, far exceeding the official capacity of the state’s correctional facilities.
"As of May 2025, the combined population in Lagos correctional facilities stood at 9,096, which is 106 percent above the facilities’ built capacity," he said.
This level of overcrowding can lead to numerous problems, such as increased health risks, violence, and poor rehabilitation outcomes. It highlights the urgent need for prison reform, alternative sentencing methods, and continued investment in digital case management to speed up trials and reduce the number of people held in pre-trial detention.
Majority of Convictions Through Plea Bargain Agreements
Interestingly, Pedro also revealed that a large percentage of convictions recorded during the reporting period were obtained through plea bargains.
"Sixty-four percent of the convictions recorded during the period were plea bargain convictions," he added.
Plea bargaining, where a defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence, has increasingly become a tool to decongest the courts and speed up the delivery of justice. However, this also raises questions about how well defendants understand their rights and the implications of entering such agreements.
What This Means for Residents of Lagos and Nigeria
For residents and stakeholders in Lagos, these developments offer a mix of hope and concern. On one hand, the deployment of technology like the LCIS shows that the government is serious about modernizing the criminal justice system. On the other, the persistent issues of overcrowded prisons, crime hotspots, and rising crime involving non-indigenous suspects suggest that there is still much work to be done.
The emphasis on data, transparency, and digital transformation could serve as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to reform their criminal justice systems. But for any system to truly succeed, it must also be matched with human reform, proper training of law enforcement officers, and public education to ensure that justice is accessible, fair, and fast.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Government’s latest revelations on crime trends, technology integration, and correctional challenges offer a deep insight into the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in one of Africa’s largest urban centers. While much progress has been made, especially in the digital space, pressing challenges like prison overcrowding, regional crime migration, and court delays must be addressed with sustained urgency.
For now, Lagos remains a leader in digital justice innovation in Nigeria, thanks to initiatives like the LCIS. However, the path to a safer, fairer, and more efficient legal system must continue with stronger inter-state collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and unwavering political will.
