The Lagos State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy has
handed over an order to the Nigerian Prisons Service for the immediate release
of 18 inmates serving life sentences at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison. The order
was handed over to the Service on Thursday through the State Controller of
Prisons, Mr Olatunbosun Ladipo, said a statement from the Assistant Director of
Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Kayode Oyekanmi. The 18
inmates – 15 male and three females – serving life sentences for various
offences and having spent more than 30 years in incarceration, were recommended
for immediate release by the Council on compassionate grounds. The inmates were
ordered to be released having been found to have fulfilled the very stringent
conditions for their freedom. Speaking at the small handover ceremony, Chairman
of the Council, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, applauded the benevolence of the State
Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in assenting to exercise the prerogative in favour
of the recommended inmates. Oyewo, who was represented by Mrs Bolatunmi
Animashaun, advised the pardoned inmates to lead a new life when eventually
they are reunited with their families into the larger society. He, however,
asked them to stay clear of every
temptation that could make them jeopardise the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity
given to them.In his response, Mr Ladipo commended Governor Ambode for his
efforts in ensuring the wellbeing of inmates in the State Prisons. The pardoned
inmates also thanked the governor for his benevolence in giving them the
opportunity of a second chance at living a purposeful life. They also promised
to be of good behaviour and law abiding citizens as they return back to the
larger society.
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