Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has authorised the release of 104 inmates from various prison facilities throughout the state.
This was stated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu approved the release of 104 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state based on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“The Governor signed the release order on the 28th of December 2022 in cognisance of the Spirit of the Season and the New Year Festive Celebration.
“The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of 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 the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates,” the statement said.
The statement added that the approval for the release of the inmates was in line with the commitment of Sanwo-Olu to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.