Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Lagos State Government has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional centres across the state as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding and strengthen the criminal justice system.
The decision, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, followed recommendations by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy after due consideration in line with established legal procedures.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the governor exercised his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He said the move was part of the government’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, as well as efforts to improve conditions within custodial facilities.
“The exercise reflects the state government’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding,” Pedro said.
He added that the release would also ease the logistics of transporting inmates to and from courts, thereby ensuring faster dispensation of justice.
Pedro noted that the intervention followed a similar exercise in December 2025, when 91 inmates were granted freedom.
As part of broader reforms, the commissioner revealed that the state government had procured and delivered two coaster buses to the Nigerian Correctional Service to facilitate the secure and timely movement of inmates.
“This intervention is designed to enhance the efficiency of criminal trials and reduce delays associated with inmate logistics,” he added.
He further disclosed that the government had commenced the renovation and upgrade of facilities across correctional centres in the state to strengthen custodial infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Pedro urged the Federal Government to consider transferring the control of at least one correctional facility in Lagos to the state government to address persistent challenges in the system.
“In light of the current constitutional provisions placing custodial services on the Concurrent Legislative List, it will not be out of place for the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer the control and management of one of the correctional centres in Lagos State to address challenges of weak oversight, inadequate funding, lack of transparency and overcrowding,” he said.
He reiterated that the state government would continue to pursue reforms that balance public safety with the protection of victims’ rights, while promoting rehabilitation and safeguarding fundamental human rights.
