Funke Busari, Lagos
The total number of inmates so far captured on the Lagos Criminal Information System, LCIS, has increased to 30,107 as at March 2020, as indicated by the quarterly report of the LCIS.
According to the LCIS report released by the Office of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, Apapa, Ikorodu and Ojo are the top five locations where inmates who have passed through the criminal justice system in the five custodial centres (prisons) of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Lagos State were arrested for various crimes within the period under review.
There are five custodial centres (prisons) in Lagos State with built capacity for 3,872 inmates, while the actual total number of inmates at the Centres as at the time of filing the report was 9,053, about 140% over the official capacity.
54 per cent of the suspects processed during the period under review do not have legal representation, and majority of which are for minor offences. This is an improvement over last quarter data of 82%.
The status of the inmates processed through the system between January and March, 2020 further shows that 86 per cent are awaiting trial, 6 per cent have been convicted, 1 per cent are on remand, and 7 per cent have so far been released.
A breakdown of the inmates per location of crime committed is as follows: Ibeju-Lekki, 300; Alimosho, 245; Apapa, 229; Ikorodu, 201; Ojo, 178; Ikeja, 175; Oshodi, 171; Eti Osa, 126; Lagos Mainland, 117; Kosofe, 95; Mushin, 90; Lagos Mainland, 88; Surulere, 82; Somolu, 79; Agege, 77; Amuwo Odofin, 65; Badagry, 59; Ajeromi Ifelodun, 48; Epe, 16; and Ifako Ijaiye, 10.
The report further indicated that the prevailing offences committed by inmates in correctional centres within the period under review included stealing, breach of peace and cultism.
The inmates by offence type are as follows: stealing, 42 per cent; breach of peace, 16 per cent; cultism/unlawful society, 9 per cent; assault, 5 per cent; obtaining by false pretence, 5 per cent; armed robbery, 4 per cent; murder, 3 per cent; fraud, 3 per cent; defilement, 2 per cent; and tampering with oil pipeline, 2 per cent
The statement also noted that the report contained important information showing the status of Domestic and Sexual offenders and efforts of the Directorate of Public Prosecution at ensuring prompt issuance of legal advice.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN Stated that the Lagos State Criminal Information System is designed to improve the Administration of Justice and strengthen the Rule of Law. While reiterating that Lagos state and Lagos State Ministry of Justice will continue to be the leaders in the justice sector reform in Nigeria.
Kayode Oyekanmi
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Ministry of Justice
