Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 91 inmates from correctional centres across the state in honour of the 2025 United Nations International Human Rights Day. The decision, announced on Tuesday, reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting human dignity, justice reform, and second chances for individuals who demonstrate genuine rehabilitation.
According to the statement, the governor also approved the commutation of all death sentences among the selected inmates to life imprisonment, marking a significant act of mercy consistent with global human rights standards. This intervention forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen restorative justice and ensure that correctional facilities function as reformative institutions rather than punitive environments alone.
The inmates released were carefully selected based on recommendations from the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The council reviewed various factors, including the nature of each inmate’s offence, behaviour during incarceration, levels of remorse, and the potential for successful reintegration into society. Officials emphasized that those chosen had shown strong evidence of rehabilitation and readiness to contribute positively upon release.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the measure aligns with the state’s broader justice sector reforms aimed at reducing overcrowding in correctional centres while upholding fairness and compassion within the legal system. He noted that Human Rights Day provided an ideal moment to demonstrate the government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights of all residents, including those within the correctional system.
The governor further encouraged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to rebuild their lives, assuring them of the state’s support in reintegration through various social and economic programmes. He stressed that the administration will continue to champion policies that balance justice with empathy, ensuring that Lagos remains a state where rehabilitation, accountability, and respect for human rights are paramount.
The release of the 91 inmates is expected to contribute to ongoing reforms and promote a more humane and effective justice system in Lagos State.
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