Governor Sanwo-Olu authorises release of 56 prisoners

Segun Adeyemi 10:07 - 10 July 2024

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu [Facebook]

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, based on the advice of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has authorised the release of 56 inmates from various state correctional facilities.

In a statement issued by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Tuesday, July 9, it was announced that the governor also converted the sentence of one death row inmate to life imprisonment.

Additionally, one inmate was granted a pardon, with the governor signing the release, commutation, and pardon orders on June 25, 2024.

This action is in accordance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“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,” the statement added.