Lagos State Government, through the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has granted amnesty to 21 inmates from various correctional facilities in the State.
The inmates were released on Tuesday, March 22.
The exercise is pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution (amended) which empowers the Governor to exercise Prerogative of Mercy.
Lagos Attorney and Commissioner Of Justice,Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, who was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey, disclosed this at the ministry’s conference room while handing over the order for the release of the inmates signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Correctional Service Authorities.
Onigbanjo said that the release of the inmates was in line with the commitment of the present administration in the State to Justice Sector Reforms through decongestion of the Correctional facilities.
“This exercise will offer a second chance to the inmates in hopes that they will change their ways and be re-absolved seamlessly into the society.”
In his remarks, Deputy Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, A.O Aremu commended the State Governor for his efforts at de-congesting prisons across the State noting that the kind gesture will bestow succor and hope to the beneficiaries.