Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has given his approval for the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state. In a statement released on Friday by the state’s Attorney-General for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, it was announced that the governor has also converted the sentences of 39 inmates on death row to life imprisonment. Sanwo-Olu signed the release order on December 20, following the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, and in consideration of the upcoming new year celebration.
This decision aligns with the governor’s commitment to alleviate congestion in correctional facilities as part of the broader justice sector reforms. Pedro, the commissioner, emphasized that the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy conducted a thorough review of the applications, taking into account information provided by correctional authorities, the nature of the offenses, period of incarceration, age, health, and behavioral conduct of the inmates.
The exercise was carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.