Lagos Government set to release 91 prisoners in observance of UN Human Rights day

The Governor of Lagos state Babajide Samsung-Olu has signed the release and commutation of 91 prison inmates.

This move is part of the state’s activities marking the 2025 United Nations Human Rights Day, Reinforcing its commitment to access to legal rights, justice, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

At a press briefing, the attorney general and commissioner for Justice, Mr Pedro Lawal (SAN) , said that the annual observance on 10th December reflects the global pledge to equality, dignity, and rule of law.

He further described the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as “the moral and legal compass for nations committed to human dignity and justice”.

The attorney general highlighted the Lagos state Government’s longstanding commitment to human rights, noting that it established the directorate of citizens rights in the year 1999. This Democratic intervention was designed to empower citizens, prevent abuses, and provide access to justice.

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 70% of their terms.

   Phased releases: The 11 remaining inmates will be released between the periods of 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 residents of Lagos State to respect the rights of others and remain law-abiding, emphasizing that protecting fundamental freedoms remains central to the state’s human rights agenda.