Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has authorized the release and commutation of 91 prisoners’ sentences.
This action demonstrates the state’s dedication to justice, access to legal rights, and the defense of fundamental freedoms as part of the 2025 United Nations Human Rights Day celebrations.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, stated at a news conference that the yearly celebration on December 10 represents the worldwide commitment to equality, decency, and the rule of law.
He described the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “the moral and legal compass for nations committed to justice and human dignity
Pedro highlighted the Lagos State Government’s long-standing commitment to human rights, noting that it established the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights in 1999. This democratic intervention was designed to empower citizens, provide access to justice, and prevent abuses.
He shared key statistics on the Directorate’s work which include approximately 1,950 petitions were handled in the past year, 1,200 cases were successfully resolved through mediation, the state is currently managing nearly 50 fundamental rights cases in Federal and State High Courts, covering issues like unlawful arrests, police misconduct, property disputes, and child custody matters.
The Attorney-General provided details on the approval for the inmates, which will be executed in phases:
• Immediate Release: The Governor approved the release of 80 inmates who have already served over 70% of their terms.
• Phased Releases: The remaining 11 inmates will be released between January and April 2026.
• Commutation: All affected inmates currently on death row will have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
Concluding his address, the Attorney-General urged Lagos residents to respect the rights of others and remain law-abiding, emphasizing that protecting fundamental freedoms remains central to the state’s human rights agenda.
