Lagos Trains 141 Magistrates In Criminal Information System

To enhance digital justice delivery and boost efficiency in the state’s criminal justice system, the Lagos State Judiciary has trained 141 magistrates in the state’s Criminal Information System (LCIS).

The state chief judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, told the magistrates that LCIS replaces guesswork with accurate data and corrects long standing public misconceptions about the criminal justice process.

Justice Alogba, who was represented at the training by Justice Rahman Oshodi, noted that the public often forms opinions based on media reports and assumptions rather than court judgments.

He said that many people believe at least 90 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial, which shapes perceptions of the courts as ineffective.

The chief judge cited national data indicating that 64 per cent of 80,812 inmates were awaiting trial, highlighting this as a concern.

Justice Alogba explained that Lagos presents a different scenario, with LCIS providing precise, verifiable data about inmate status.

He maintained that LCIS shows that fewer than 10 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial, while about 60 per cent are actively undergoing trial.

“LCIS captures when a defendant moves from awaiting trial to active trial status.

The system, introduced in 2018, has processed over 74,000 cases and is biometric, comprehensive, and publicly accountable. It assists courts in accurately identifying custodial locations, reducing duplication and preventing multiple warrants,” he stated

Alogba shared a case in which LCIS revealed that a defendant had been detained for years after his case was struck out, leading to his arraignment and subsequent conviction.

He called on magistrates to adopt the system, emphasising that its use enhances court efficiency and integrity.