Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has approved the release of 104 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state to mark the New Year celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on Friday.

Mr Sanwo-Olu signed the release order on December 28 on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Mr Onigbanjo said the approval for the release of the inmates was in line with the commitment of the  governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.

According to him, the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations, exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines.

He said the council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of the offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioural conduct of the inmates.

The exercise was pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

(NAN)