… commutes death sentences of 6 to life imprisonment
On the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 46 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and commuted the death sentences of six inmates to life imprisonment.
The Governor signed the release and committal orders last Wednesday to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, the exercise is in pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended).
Onigbanjo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, explained that, in reaching its recommendations, the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications, in line with the applicable guidelines.
He said that the Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural 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”, Onigbanjo said.
