THE governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has granted the release of 46 inmates from correctional facilities across the state.
Sanwo-Olu also commuted the death sentences of six inmates to life imprisonment.
The development followed the recommendations of the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the governor’s actions were part of Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day celebration.
Onigbanjo said in a statement that the exercise was in line with the provisions of Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
She noted that the council, in reaching its recommendations, exercised due diligence during deliberations.
She also explained that the pardon was part of the administration’s resolution to decongest prisons in the state as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.
Speaking on the selection criteria used, Onigbanjo said, “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.”
