Report Identifies Lekki, Oshodi, and Apapa as Top Crime Hotspots

The Lagos State Justice Reform Summit on Tuesday revealed critical crime statistics and comprehensive reform plans aimed at overhauling the state’s criminal justice system.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos High Court presented the data and outlined the proposed changes at the two-day summit held by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in Ikeja.

According to the Lagos State Criminal Information System, Lekki, Oshodi/Isolo, and Apapa areas currently have the highest crime rates in Lagos.

Justice Oshodi disclosed that between 2018 and 2024, a total of 62,117 inmates were enrolled in LCIS, with Lekki accounting for 13 percent of reported cases. Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, and Ojo each followed with 10 percent, while Alimosho represented nine percent, Agege and Ikeja eight percent each, Mushin six percent, Lagos Island five percent, and Yaba four percent. Epe, Ajeromi, and Victoria Island ranked lowest at two percent each, with Ikoyi slightly higher at three percent.

The statistics also highlighted the state of origin of defendants, revealing that Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos indigenes topped the list of crime suspects. Justice Oshodi stated that Ogun State leads with 17 percent of 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). States like Kano, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Abia were the lowest contributors in this category.

According to Justice Oshodi, stealing-related offenses dominated the criminal court records, with 21,084 cases representing 44 percent. This was 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.

Justice Oshodi’s presentation was part of a broader discussion on criminal justice reforms in Lagos. He highlighted several 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 the adoption of electronic case filing and management systems.
• 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.
• Building additional custodial centers to address overcrowding and improve inmate living conditions, leveraging the success of the Correctional Centre for Boys.

“Our justice professionals must be equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to uphold justice effectively,” said Oshodi. “These reforms have immense potential benefits, and I am confident we can achieve them holistically and collaboratively,” he added.