Sanwo-Olu orders release of 56 inmates from Lagos correctional facilities

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 56 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.

This decision was made following recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, “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 governor also sanctioned the committal of one inmate on death row to life imprisonment, and one inmate received a pardon.

These decisions were formally endorsed by the governor on June 25, 2024.

The statement further explained, “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.”