LAGOS STATE GOVT ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PREROGATIVE OF MERCY FREES 18 KIRIKIRI INMATES TODAY.

               The Lagos State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy today directed the State Controller of Prisons,Mr Olatunbosun Ladipo to immediately release 18 inmates serving life sentences at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison.The 18 inmates comprising 15 males and 3 females serving life sentences for various offences have spent more than 30 years incarceration and were therefore recommended for release by the Council on compassionate grounds.During the formal handover of the release order to the State Controller of Prisons,Mrs Bolatunmi Animashaun-representative of Professor.Oyelowo Oyewo,Chairman of the Advisory Council-applauded the Lagos State government for assenting to the recommendations of the Council to release the inmates.She advised the pardoned inmates to turn a new leaf when eventually reunited with their families and further warned them to steer clear of every temptation that could make them repeat offemders and jeopardise this once in a lifetime opportunity.Also speaking at the event,Mrs Yejide Kolawole,the Director,Legislative Drafting in the Ministry of Justice,representing the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Adeniji Kazeem,enjoined the inmates to be of good behaviour and endeavour to improve themselves.In his response,the Controller of Prisons expressed appreciation to the State Government for its support at ensuring the well-being of inmates in the State Prisons through regular provision of amenities.The pardoned inmates were very jubilant and also thanked the Lagos State Governor,Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his benevolence in giving them the opportunity of a second chance at living a purposeful life.They pledged to be of good behaviour as they return back to the larger society.