Sanwo-Olu grants clemency to 52 inmates

…commutes six death sentences to life imprisonment
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state, following recommendations by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The governor also commuted the sentences of six death row inmates to life imprisonment.
This was disclosed in a statement by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. According to the statement, the order mandates the immediate release of 35 inmates, while the remaining 17 will be released after serving additional terms of three to six months.
The decision is in line with the governor’s constitutional powers under Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reflects the administration’s commitment to decongest correctional facilities as part of ongoing justice sector reforms in Lagos State.
The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy conducted a thorough review of each case, considering factors such as the nature of the offence, the period of incarceration, age, health condition, behavioural conduct, and recommendations from correctional facility authorities.
Before their release, correctional centres have been directed to ensure proper arrangements for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates into society.
The Commissioner for Justice urged the beneficiaries of the clemency to be of good conduct, emphasizing that the governor’s order will be executed once the correctional facilities complete the necessary administrative processes.