Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes six death sentences to life imprisonment

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and the commutation of six death row inmates to life imprisonment.

According to a statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Sanwo-Olu gave the approval following recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Pedro said the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates, while the others are to be released after serving additional terms of three to six months.

He said the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with the governor’s powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the state.

He said the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in reaching its recommendations, exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it, in line with the applicable guidelines, with information provided by the authorities of the correctional facilities, the nature of the offense the inmate was convicted for, the period of incarceration, age, health condition, and the behavioral conduct of the inmate.

The Attorney General said that before the release of the inmates, the correctional centers are to confirm that arrangements have been made for their rehabilitation and integration into society.

While admonishing the inmates to be of good behavior, the commissioner said the governor’s release order is to be complied with after the completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.