Lagos State Gov, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the release of 56 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State.
This follows from the recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, on Tuesday a statement was issued by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN. One inmate received a pardon, and these decisions were in accordance with the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended)the governor also sanctioned the committal of one inmate on death row to life imprisonment.
According to the statement, ”The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy conducted thorough deliberations on the applications, taking into account information from correctional authorities, the nature of the offences, duration of incarceration, age, health, and conduct of the inmates.The approval for the release of the inmates underscores Mr. Governor’s commitment to alleviating congestion in Lagos State correctional facilities as part of ongoing Justice Sector Reforms.”
This decision by the Lagos state governor marked a bold step in justice sector reforms and also to reduce the over populated inmates in the state.
This initiative demonstrate gov Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to alleviating congestion in Lagos State correctional facilities and enhancing the correctional system in line with contemporary standards and human rights principles enhance the correctional system, bringing it in line with contemporary standards and principles of human rights.
The statement further explained, “The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy conducted thorough deliberations on the applications, taking into account information from correctional authorities, the nature of the offences, duration of incarceration, age, health, and conduct of the inmates.