The Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional centers across Lagos, officials said, in a move aimed at reducing overcrowding and advancing criminal justice reforms.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro said the decision follows a similar exercise in December 2025, when 91 inmates were freed.
The release was carried out under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, as provided in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Beneficiaries were selected based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with established legal and administrative procedures.
Officials said the action reflects the state’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, while addressing persistent overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Overcrowding has strained infrastructure and slowed judicial processes, particularly the movement of inmates to and from court. To ease the problem, the state government last year procured two coaster buses for the Nigerian Correctional Service to improve inmate transportation.
Authorities said the measure is expected to speed up court proceedings and reduce delays linked to inadequate logistics.
The government has also begun renovating and upgrading correctional facilities to improve conditions and meet acceptable standards.
It further called for federal reforms, urging the transfer of at least one correctional facility in Lagos to state control. Officials said such a move would improve management of centers housing mostly state offenders and help address weak oversight, underfunding, lack of transparency and chronic overcrowding.
The government said it remains 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.
