Prison gates were opened for 21 inmates in custody not as a result of jailbreak but because the Lagos State Government has pardoned them.
On Tuesday, the state government through the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, released 21 inmates from various correctional facilities in the State.
This release, Lagos Attorney and Commissioner Of Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said is in compliance with the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution (amended) which empowers the Governor to exercise Prerogative of Mercy.
Mr. 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 the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to the Correctional Service Authorities.
The Commissioner of Justice also 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.”
The 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.
