Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commuttal of death sentence for 39 inmates to life imprisonment.
A statement explained that the Governor signed the release and commuttal orders on the 20th of December, 2023 in cognizance of the New Year Celebrations.
The statement read: “The exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (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 the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral 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“.
