SAN FRANCISCO, December 20, (THEWILL) –Â Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has released twelve inmates of the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Apapa in the exercise of his power under the Prerogative of Mercy.
The inmates, who have spent between 20 and 34 years in prison, were released after satisfying the basic conditions of remorse, good behaviour and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the society.
Represented by Chairman of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, Ambode implored other inmates to be of good behaviour as the governor was determined to release as many of them as met the requirements for freedom.
Speaking while handing over the governor’s release order to the Lagos Prisons Command, Oyewo said the inmates’ release showed the commitment of the state to justice sector reforms through prison decongestion.
Oyewo stated that the released inmates’ families, in accordance with the guidelines, were also made to guarantee that they would not return to the world of crime adding that a reform is being proposed to put a parole system in place to secure the database and to monitor freed prisoners after their release.
Responding, Lagos Command Controller of Prisons, Tunde Ladipo, praised Ambode for his commitment to justice sector reforms and prison decongestion saying the inmates’ release had brought hope to them.
He added that the development would help in decongesting prison, which he described as a major issue in the administration of justice system.
