Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commutted the death sentence of 39 inmates to life imprisonment and granted pardon to 246 other inmates in various correctional facilities across the state.
The governor’s decision followed the recommendation of the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
A press statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Information disclosed this in Friday.
The statement said the governor signed the release and commutal orders on the 20th of December, 2023 to mark the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
Sanwo – olu ‘s action is in exercise of the power conferred on him pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended).
The press release said : ” 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.
“The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates.
“The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
