About 18 inmates serving life sentences at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, on Thursday, breathed the air freedom, following the recommendation of Lagos State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The council on the approval of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had directed the Nigerian Prison Services (NPS) through the controller of prisons in the state, Olatunbosun Ladipo, to free the inmates.
The inmates consisting 15 males and 3 females had been serving life sentences for various offences, some of whom had spent more than 30 years in incarceration were recommended for immediate release by the council on compassionate grounds.
Oyelowo Oyewo, chairman of the council of prerogative of mercy, speaking at the handing over of the inmates at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, applauded the benevolence of the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode in assenting to exercise the prerogative in favour of the recommended inmates.
Oyewo, who was represented by Bolatunmi Animashaun advised the pardoned inmates to turn a new leaf when eventually they are reunited with their families into the larger society, adding that they must steer clear of every temptation that could make them a repeat offender and jeopardise the once in a lifetime opportunity.
Also speaking, the state’s attorney general and commissioner for justice, Adeniji Kazeem encouraged other inmates still serving in the prison to be of good behaviour and exhibit conducts that could qualify them to benefit from such order.
Kazeem, who was represented by director of legislative drafting in the state’s ministry of Justice, Yejide Kolawole, advised the inmates to improve themselves, as the application of other inmates eligible for state pardon were still under consideration.
The pardoned inmates were very jubilant and thankful to the state government for the benevolence in giving them the opportunity of a second chance at living a purposeful life. They also pledged to be of good behaviour, and to be law abiding citizens as they return back to the larger society.
responding to the gesture, the prison controller commended Ambode for his efforts at ensuring the wellbeing of inmates in prisons in the state.
JOSHUA BASSEY
