Lagos State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy on Thursday handed over an order to the Nigerian Prisons Service for the immediate release of 18 inmates serving life sentences at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison.
The order was handed over to the Service through the State’s Controller of Prisons, Mr Olatunbosun Ladipo.
The 18 inmates, who were 15 male and 3 females serving life sentences for various offences, and having spent more than 30 years in incarceration, were recommended for immediate release by the Council on compassionate grounds.
The inmates were ordered to be released having been found to have fulfilled the very stringent conditions for their freedom.
Speaking at the small handing over ceremony held at the hall of the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Chairman of the Council, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, applauded the benevolence of the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in assenting to exercise the prerogative in favour of the recommended inmates.
Oyewo, who was represented by Mrs 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, Mr 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, Mrs 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 Governor for his 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.
In his response, the State Controller of Prisons commended Governor Ambode for his efforts at ensuring the wellbeing of inmates in the State Prisons through the regular assistance.
A great humanitarian gesture. Not to forget the need for adequate ‘post-incarceration’ after-care package to go with it, especially whether released persons received a form of training or trade while serving penal sanction. There will also be the probability of having lost reliable connections and contacts for some while a return to respective locale may not provide basis of integration. A comprehensive after-care resources need to be in place otherwise these individuals may be seen to be ‘set up to fail’ without, giving that a return to the wider society could be quite daunting and intimidating to many in the face of stigma and ostracism. The open society has changed in 30 years and reintegration is one of the proactive considerations to be factored into such amnesty. As it is, circumstances and processes leading to incarceration also need to be taken into account because of the psychological and emotional impact. As such, brief counselling would have been offered prior to release so beneficiaries can reflect properly and form a determination on ‘what to do with freedom’ and ‘where they were coming from’. For instance, an ‘innocent’ but imprisoned person would continue to reminisce on their innocence, and the trauma of miscarriage of justice will forever, live in them. This is one of the most unpredictable prognosis attributable to being ‘found guilty while truthfully innocent’. It’s not unusual for some to live through prison terms roiling over ‘unfairness, recrimination and vengeance. The most plausible and supportive consideration is for these people to be financially supported to enter into a trade, however, small, if they no longer have, or have not learned, a trade or skill-set while serving their sentence. In other advanced societies, a focus group is set up to bring such people with a commonality to voluntarily meet with an anti-recidivism expert periodically, who can guide them towards making the best of their new-found freedom and liberty.