Sanwo-Olu pardons, sets free 52 prison inmates

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 52 inmates and commuted the sentences of six death row prisoners to life imprisonment as part of ongoing justice reforms in the state.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a press statement signed by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, (SAN).

According to Pedro, Sanwo-Olu gave the approval on December 31, 2024, following recommendations from the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to the directive, 35 inmates will be released immediately, while others will serve an additional three to six months before regaining their freedom.

Pedro said the decision aligned with the governor’s powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and is part of ongoing justice sector reforms aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in the state.

He said that the advisory council conducted a meticulous review process, taking into account factors such as the nature of offences, duration of incarceration, age, health, and behaviour of the inmates.

Pedro noted that the input from correctional authorities also played a critical role in the council’s deliberations.

Sanwo-Olu pardons, sets free 52 prison inmates

He added that before their release, correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for rehabilitation and integration into society.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the released inmates to embrace good behavior as they rejoin their communities.

“This initiative highlights the Lagos State government’s commitment to justice reform and humane treatment of inmates,” he said.

The attorney general emphasised that the release orders would be finalised once administrative processes were completed.

“Mr. Governor also admonished the inmates to be of good behaviour.

“The release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities,” Pedro said.