A total number of 104 inmates in the five custodial centres located in the state breathed air of freedom over the weekend.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered their release.
In a statement made available to newsmen Saturday by Attorney-General and Commissioner of JusticeVMoyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), the governor, signed the release order on December 28 based on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The gesture according to Onigbanjo, was also in compliance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution (amended) which empowers the governor to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
He said: “The Advisory Council relied on information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates.
“The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of the Lagos State Government to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.”
