Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved the release of 56 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.
The decision was sequel to the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy,
A statement by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Tuesday, said the governor also approved the committal of one inmate on death row to life imprisonment.
“One inmate was also approved for pardon, and the governor signed the release, committal and pardon orders on the 25th of June, 2024,” the statement said.
The exercise is under the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended).
The statement added, “The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines.
“The council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates.
“The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.”
