Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and commuted the death sentences of six inmates to life imprisonment.
This decision followed recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
In a statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, it was revealed that the approval, granted on December 31, 2024, mandates the immediate release of 35 inmates. The remaining inmates are to be released after serving an additional three to six months.
Pedro emphasized that the Prerogative of Mercy aligns with the governor’s constitutional powers under Section 212(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He added that this action is part of the administration’s commitment to decongest correctional facilities and implement reforms within the state’s justice sector.
The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy carefully reviewed the applications submitted for consideration. The review process included consultations with correctional facility authorities and evaluations of the nature of the offences, the duration of incarceration, the inmates’ age, health conditions, and behaviour during imprisonment.
As part of the release process, correctional centres are required to ensure that rehabilitation and reintegration plans are in place for the pardoned inmates.
While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the commissioner said the governor’s release order is to be complied with after the completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.
