The Lagos State Judiciary on Thursday trained 141 magistrates in batches on the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS) to strengthen digital justice delivery and improve efficiency in the state’s criminal justice system.

Justice Rahman Oshodi spoke on behalf of the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, at the “Do It Yourself” LCIS training in Ikeja.

He said LCIS had replaced guesswork with accurate data, correcting long-held public misconceptions about the criminal justice process.

He said the public often relied on media reports and assumptions, rather than court judgements, to form opinions about the judiciary.

According to him, many believe that about 90 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial, shaping perceptions of the courts as ineffective.

Mr Alogba cited national data showing that 64 per cent of 80,812 inmates were awaiting trial, describing the figure as concerning.

He said Lagos presented a different reality, with LCIS providing accurate and verifiable data on inmate status.

According to him, LCIS shows that fewer than 10 per cent of inmates are awaiting trial, while about 60 per cent are already undergoing trial.

He added, “LCIS captures when a defendant transitions 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.

“LCIS helps courts identify custodial locations accurately, reducing duplication and avoiding multiple warrants.”

Mr Alogba cited a case where LCIS revealed a defendant detained for years after his case was struck out, leading to arraignment and conviction.

He urged magistrates to adopt the system, stressing that its use enhanced efficiency and integrity in the courts.

The training was facilitated by Musbau Famuyiwa of Global T&T New Solutions.

Mr Famuyiwa said the programme was designed to build magistrates’ capacity in managing digital case files and accessing real-time information.

He added, “LCIS improves coordination with law enforcement agencies and ensures transparency and accuracy of case data.

“The system enables courts to track documents, verify uploads and interface seamlessly with agencies, including the police. Magistrates will have nearly all the necessary tools for effective digital justice delivery through the platform.

“LCIS reduces delays, eliminates duplication and provides reports that support informed decision-making, reflecting the state government’s commitment to modernising judicial processes.”

He urged magistrates to fully adopt LCIS, noting that digital justice was vital to Nigeria’s evolving legal system and that the training formed part of ongoing reforms by the state ministry of justice.

Earlier, the Chief Registrar, Tajudeen Elias, in his welcome address, said the training would reduce delays in accessing case updates.

He said the judiciary must move away from relying on WhatsApp messages for case status enquiries.

Mr Elias described LCIS as essential for managing criminal information and decongesting correctional centres.

He commended Global T&T New Solutions for supporting the platform’s development and deployment.

According to him, magistrates must learn to independently access the LCIS website for real-time case information.

Mr Elias said the era of requesting case details via WhatsApp had ended and urged officers to retrieve information directly online.

He urged participants to engage actively to ensure seamless adoption of the system.

Mr Elias added that the initiative would improve efficiency, accuracy and self-reliance in justice administration.

Magistrate McDavies Amore commended the judiciary for introducing digital training to enhance the criminal justice system.

Mr Amore described the training as enlightening and necessary for meeting the demands of a modern digital justice system.

He said the programme equipped magistrates with knowledge of 21st-century digital processes.

According to him, such capacity building is essential for ongoing judicial reforms in Lagos State.

Mr Amore said the digital upgrade would improve public access to verified information on correctional facilities.

He noted that the training clarified misconceptions between persons awaiting trial and those undergoing trial.

According to him, distinguishing both categories will enhance transparency and public understanding of detention records.

He urged the media to sensitise the public, adding that accurate data would improve trust in the justice system.

Mr Amore appreciated the chief judge and organisers for advancing justice delivery in Lagos State. 

(NAN)