Babajide Sanwo-Olu has authorized the discharge of 43 individuals from various correctional centers throughout Lagos State, marking a continued push to reduce the population of detention facilities and bolster reforms in the legal system.
This update was shared in an announcement by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who pointed out that the initiative is a key component of a plan to tackle congestion and upgrade the state’s judicial framework.
“It would be recalled that a few months ago, in December 2025, ninety-one inmates were also released from the custodial centres,” Pedro remarked.
He clarified that this most recent move was carried out through the governor’s official legal authority.
“The decision to release inmates who were yet to complete their terms was taken pursuant to the power of prerogative of mercy, conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” he explained.
Pedro also revealed that those who benefited from the release were chosen based on specific guidance from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“The released inmates were duly recommended by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines,” he noted.
He underscored that the program mirrors the administration’s focus on modernizing the justice sector and humanizing the environment within detention centers.
“This exercise reflects the State Government’s commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding,” he stated.