Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, acting on the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy’s recommendation, sanctioned the liberation of 246 inmates from diverse correctional facilities in the state.
The official announcement, available on the Lagos State Government’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, reveals that the Governor endorsed the release of the inmates on December 20, 2023, citing the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The decision aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to easing congestion in correctional facilities, emphasising Justice Sector Reforms during the New Year Celebrations.
The statement underscores the meticulous scrutiny by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in granting the approval.
“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 the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates,” the statement read in part.
In addition to granting freedom to 246 inmates from correctional facilities in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu sanctioned the conversion of death sentences for 39 individuals to life imprisonment.
The communal orders were officially endorsed by the Lagos State Government on December 20, 2023, in line with the New Year Celebrations, invoking the legal framework of Section 212 (1) (2) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
