Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 43 inmates from various correctional centres across the state as part of an ongoing initiative to decongest facilities and strengthen the administration of criminal justice.
Their
release followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the
Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed each case in line with established legal
and administrative procedures.
91
inmates were also freed in December 2025, underscoring the government’s
sustained efforts to address overcrowding and improve conditions within
custodial centres.
The
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the
inmates were released under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy as provided in
Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Pedro
said the intervention reflects the state’s commitment to justice, fairness and
the rule of law, noting that easing congestion also enhances the speed and
efficiency of court processes.
He
recalled that the state government recently procured and delivered two coaster
buses to the Nigeria Correctional Service to aid timely transportation of
inmates to and from court.
“Beyond
logistics, the government has also embarked on the renovation and upgrade of
buildings within the correctional centres to strengthen infrastructure and
improve welfare conditions,” he said.
Pedro
urged the Federal Government to consider transferring the control of at least
one Lagos correctional facility, particularly one housing inmates convicted
under state laws, to the state government.
He
said that such a move would address challenges related to weak oversight,
inadequate funding, lack of transparency and persistent overcrowding in
federally managed custodial centres.
The
attorney general affirmed that Lagos remains committed to wide-ranging reforms
that balance victims’ rights, public safety, offender rehabilitation and the
protection of fundamental human rights.
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