Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 43 inmates from various correctional centres across the state as part of ongoing efforts to ease prison overcrowding and strengthen the criminal justice system.
The exercise, announced on Thursday, April 2, 2026, was carried out under the governor’s constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy as provided in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The beneficiaries were recommended by the Lagos State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy following thorough legal and administrative reviews.
This latest release follows a similar exercise in December 2025, during which 91 inmates were freed.In a statement, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the move reflects the state government’s commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law while addressing the persistent challenge of overcrowding in correctional facilities.
“The exercise reflects the state government’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding,” Pedro stated.
He added that the intervention is also aimed at enhancing the efficiency of criminal trials by reducing delays linked to inmate logistics. To support this, the state government has procured two coaster buses for the Nigerian Correctional Service to improve the transportation of inmates to and from courts.
The government is equally renovating and upgrading correctional facilities to create better infrastructure.The Attorney-General further called on the Federal Government to consider transferring the control and management of at least one correctional facility in Lagos State to the state, citing challenges of weak oversight, inadequate funding, lack of transparency, and overcrowding.
“In light of the current constitutional provisions placing custodial services on the Concurrent Legislative List, it will not be out of place for the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Correctional Service to transfer the control and management of one of the correctional centres in Lagos State,” Pedro said.
He reaffirmed that Lagos remains committed to justice sector reforms, adopting a balanced approach that protects victims’ rights, ensures public safety, promotes offender rehabilitation, and safeguards fundamental human rights.
The development is seen as part of broader efforts by the Sanwo-Olu administration to reform the justice system and improve conditions in correctional facilities amid growing concerns over congestion in Lagos prisons.
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