Prerogative of mercy: Sanwo-Olu approves release of 56 inmates

July 10, 2024

… Commutes One Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment, Grants Another Pardon

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has approved the release of 56 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State.

And also the commuttal of the death sentence of an inmate to life imprisonment and granted full pardon to another inmate.

According to a release signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Governor signed the release, commuttal and pardon orders on the 25th of June, 2024.

He said the exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended), adding that 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.

According to the release, “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 approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s determination to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms”, it added.