Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has authorised the release of 246 inmates from diverse correctional facilities across the state. This decision, accompanied by the commutation of sentences for 39 death row inmates to life imprisonment, was confirmed in a statement issued by the state’s Attorney-General for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro.
Pedro elaborated, stating, “Sanwo-Olu signed the release order on Dec. 20, following recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. This action aligns with the upcoming New Year celebrations.”
The move to release inmates mirrors the governor’s commitment to alleviating congestion in correctional facilities, a pivotal aspect of ongoing reforms within the justice sector.
The commissioner underscored the meticulousness of the Advisory Council in its assessment of applications. “The Council thoroughly considered information provided by correctional authorities, including the nature of offences, duration of incarceration, inmates’ age, health status, and behavioural conduct,” Pedro remarked.
This initiative operates within the purview of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, affirming the governor’s authority in granting clemency.
