The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release and commutation of sentences for 91 inmates across state correctional centres.
The decision, which marks a major highlight of the 2025 United Nations Human Rights Day, reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
Moreover, the move signals a renewed push for fairness and access to legal rights under the state’s expanding human rights framework.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, confirmed the development during a press briefing.
He noted that the annual observance on December 10 serves as a reminder of a global promise to uphold equality and the rule of law.
Pedro described the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “the moral and legal compass for nations committed to justice and human dignity.”
He added that Lagos has long invested in structures that support this vision.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Lagos pioneered the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights in 1999 to empower residents and stop rights abuses.
“The state has handled approximately 1,950 petitions in the past year,” he said, noting that about 1,200 cases were resolved through mediation.
Meanwhile, nearly 50 ongoing fundamental rights cases are being managed across federal and state courts, including matters involving wrongful arrests, police misconduct, child custody disputes, and property conflicts.
The Lagos inmates release approval, which forms the core of this year’s Human Rights Day activities, will be carried out in phases.
The Attorney-General outlined the structure as follows:
• Immediate Release: Eighty inmates who have already served over 70% of their sentences will regain their freedom at once.
• Phased Releases: Eleven more will be released between January and April 2026.
• Commutation: All inmates currently on death row will have their sentences changed to life imprisonment.
In addition, Pedro assured that the process follows strict legal guidelines to maintain fairness and transparency.
The phased structure, he said, was created to ensure proper documentation and safe reintegration.
Therefore, he urged residents to respect one another’s rights and remain law-abiding, stressing that the protection of fundamental freedoms remains central to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s policy direction.
“We want a state where every person feels protected, heard, and valued,” he noted.
As Lagos continues to champion human rights reforms, the Lagos inmates release initiative stands out as a powerful reminder of the state’s evolving justice system.
