In a significant move aimed at alleviating congestion within correctional facilities and promoting justice sector reforms, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has granted clemency to 246 inmates. This momentous decision, endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, underscores the governor’s commitment to ushering in the New Year with compassion and addressing the overcrowded conditions in correctional facilities across Lagos State.
The official announcement, available on the Lagos State Government’s official social media handle, details that Governor Sanwo-Olu exercised his prerogative on December 20, 2023, in accordance with the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended). The release of these inmates aligns with the broader objectives of the Justice Sector Reforms championed by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
The Lagos State Government emphasized that the decision to release the 246 inmates underwent meticulous scrutiny by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. Factors such as the nature of the offense, period of incarceration, age, health status, and behavioral conduct of the inmates were carefully considered during the evaluation process.

“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 offense, period of incarceration, age, health, and behavioral conduct of the inmates,” the statement explained.
In a parallel development, Governor Sanwo-Olu also approved the conversion of the death sentences of 39 inmates to life imprisonment. The communal orders effecting these decisions were signed on December 20, 2023, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to justice and humane treatment of individuals within the correctional system.
This move aligns with broader national efforts to decongest custodial centers, a trend spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Interior, led by Olubunmi Tunji-Ola. Notably, Minister Tunji-Ola disclosed earlier that the Federal Government was spending N3 million daily to feed 4,000 inmates nationwide, placing a considerable strain on government resources.
As previously reported by Infostride News, the Federal Government had facilitated the release of over 4,086 inmates from custodial centers who were unable to pay their bail fees. The total sum of N585 million was paid as fines for the release of these individuals, highlighting the economic impact of the custodial congestion mitigation efforts.
The objective of decongesting custodial centers extends beyond humanitarian considerations; it also serves as a prudent measure to ensure optimal allocation of government resources. Minister Tunji-Ola emphasized the economic rationale behind these efforts, asserting that relieving the burden on custodial facilities contributes to the government’s fiscal responsibility.
In summary, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approval for the release of 246 inmates and the committal of death sentences to life imprisonment for 39 individuals reflects a commitment to justice, compassion, and the ongoing efforts to address the challenges of custodial congestion in Lagos State. This decision, in line with national initiatives, underscores the importance of holistic justice sector reforms for a fair and efficient legal system.
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