Ambode Releases 12 Inmates From Kirikiri Prison

-Inmates granted state pardon had spent over 20 years in Kirikiri prison

Ambode grants freedom to 12 Kirikiri inmates

Lagos State Governor, 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, after spending between 20 and 34 years in prison, were granted freedom on Tuesday, after satisfying the basic conditions of remorse, good behaviour and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Representing the governor, the Chairman of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Oyelowo Oyewo stated that the release was an excercise of the governor’s power under the constitution to show mercy and also offer hope to prisoners who have demonstrated capacity to be re-absolved into the society.

Speaking while handing over the governor’s release order to the Lagos Prisons Command, stated that the release of the prisoners buttress the Ambode-led government’s dedication to justice sector reforms through prison decongestion.

Oyewo said the released inmates’ families, in line with the guidelines, were also made to assure that they would not return to the world of crime.

He urged other inmates to be of good characteras the governor was determined to release as many of them as met the requirements for freedom. According to him, a reform is being proposed to put a parole system in place to secure the database and to monitor freed prisoners after their release.

Tunde Ladipo, Lagos Command Controller of Prisons who recalled the release of 18 inmates in March, said the development would help in decongesting prison; he said it is a critical issue in the administration of justice system.

Ladipo also enjoined the governor to come to support the command with logistics, construction of security tower, and procurement of CCTV cameras, among other needs.