The Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional centres across Lagos, in a renewed push to decongest custodial facilities and strengthen criminal justice reforms in the state.

The decision, announced by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), followed a similar exercise in December 2025, when 91 inmates were granted freedom under the same arrangement.

The latest release was carried out under the governor’s constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy, as provided in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the statement, the beneficiaries were carefully selected based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with laid-down legal and administrative procedures.

Officials said the move underscored the state government’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, while also addressing the persistent challenge of overcrowding in correctional centres.

Overpopulation in custodial facilities has long strained infrastructure and slowed down the judicial process, particularly in the movement of inmates to and from courts.

To tackle these operational bottlenecks, the Lagos State Government last year procured two coaster buses for the Nigerian Correctional Service to improve the logistics of transporting inmates for trial.

Authorities believe this intervention will help accelerate court proceedings and reduce delays tied to inadequate transportation.

Beyond inmate release and logistics support, the government has also embarked on the renovation and upgrade of facilities within correctional centres across the state, to improve custodial conditions and align them with acceptable standards.

The state further called for structural reforms at the federal level, urging the Federal Government to consider transferring control of at least one correctional facility in Lagos to the state authorities.

The proposal, officials argued, would allow Lagos to better manage centres housing predominantly state offenders, while addressing issues such as weak oversight, underfunding, lack of transparency and chronic overcrowding.

Reaffirming its stance, the government said it remained committed to a balanced justice system that protects victims’ rights, ensures public safety, and promotes the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, while upholding fundamental human rights. (Guardian)

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