The Lagos State Judiciary has trained 141 magistrates on the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS) as part of efforts to deepen digital transformation and improve efficiency within the state’s criminal justice system.
Representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, Justice Rahman Oshodi addressed participants at the “Do It Yourself” LCIS training held in Ikeja, urging magistrates to fully embrace the platform as a tool for enhancing transparency and accuracy in court processes.
He explained that the LCIS has helped replace assumptions with verifiable data, correcting widespread public misconceptions about the justice system. According to him, while national perceptions suggest that a large percentage of inmates are awaiting trial, Lagos presents a different picture supported by digital records.
Justice Alogba noted that national data indicates 64% of inmates are awaiting trial, but stressed that Lagos State records, through LCIS, show significantly lower figures, with less than 10% awaiting trial and about 60% currently undergoing trial proceedings.
He further explained that the LCIS, introduced in 2018, has processed over 74,000 cases and operates as a biometric, comprehensive, and publicly accountable system. The platform also helps courts accurately track defendants, avoid duplication, and eliminate administrative errors such as multiple warrants for the same individual.
He cited an example where the system revealed that a defendant had remained in detention for years even after his case had been struck out, leading to corrective legal action.
The training facilitator, Mr Musbau Famuyiwa, said the programme was designed to equip magistrates with the skills needed to manage digital case files, access real-time data, and improve coordination with law enforcement agencies. He added that the system enhances transparency, reduces delays, and supports informed judicial decision-making.
He emphasized that LCIS enables courts to track documents, verify submissions, and interact seamlessly with agencies such as the police, contributing to a more efficient justice delivery system.
The Chief Registrar, Mr Tajudeen Elias, also highlighted the importance of the training, noting that it would eliminate delays associated with manual or informal case inquiries. He stressed that the judiciary must move away from reliance on informal communication channels such as WhatsApp for official case updates.
According to him, LCIS plays a crucial role in managing criminal data and supporting efforts to decongest correctional centres. He encouraged magistrates to directly access the system for real-time updates and information.
Magistrate McDavies Amore praised the initiative, describing it as a major step toward modernizing the justice system. He noted that the training had improved understanding of digital court processes and clarified misconceptions about the difference between awaiting trial inmates and those already undergoing trial.
He also urged the media to help educate the public on the improved system, adding that accurate data would strengthen trust in the judiciary and enhance transparency in detention records.
