Lagos seeks control of correctional centre
Lagos State Government has urged the Federal Government to transfer one of the correctional centres in the state to it. This, it said, will enable it to address oversight and
Lagos State Government has urged the Federal Government to transfer one of the correctional centres in the state to it.
This, it said, will enable it to address oversight and funding challenges, especially the one mostly populated with state offenders.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN) said the state had already embarked on the renovation and upgrade of some of the buildings in the correctional centres across the state, strengthening custodial infrastructure.
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He said in a statement that the state, in the preceding year, procured and delivered two coaster buses to the Correctional Service to facilitate the timely and secure transportation of inmates to courts.
The intervention, the A-G said, is designed to enhance the efficiency of criminal trials and reduce delays associated with inmate logistics.
Pedro said: “In light of the current Nigeria constitutional provisions placing custodial and correctional services in the Concurrent Legislative List, it will not be out of place for the Federal Government to direct the Nigeria Correctional Services to transfer the control and management of one of the Correctional centres in Lagos State where the majority of inmates are offenders of State Laws, to Lagos State Government to address the challenges of weak oversight, inadequate funding, lack of transparency and overcrowding in the present Nigerian Correctional Facilities.”
The request followed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approval for the release of 43 inmates from correctional centres across the state as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres and reform the criminal justice system.
Last December, 91 inmates were also released from the custodial centres.
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Pedro said: “The decision to release inmates who were yet to complete their terms was taken pursuant to the power of prerogative of mercy, conferred on the Governor in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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“The released inmates were duly recommended by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in accordance with established legal and administrative guidelines.
“The exercise reflects the State Government’s unwavering commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law, alongside improving conditions within correctional centres by proactively addressing the challenges of overcrowding in custodial centres in Lagos State and ease of mobility of inmates to and from court for speedy trial.
“Lagos State remains resolute in its commitment to justice sector reforms and will continue to implement measures that ensure a balanced approach between victims’ right to justice, public safety, offenders’ rehabilitation and the protection of fundamental human rights.”
