Chair of Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Babatunde Hunpe, has facilitated release of five inmates from Badagry Correctional Centre.
His Chief Press Secretary, Augustine Kriko, said this in a statement yesterday.
He said the release was part of the council celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence.
The chairman noted their freedom followed recommendations of a committee set up by him, after receiving reports about their predicament.
‘The committee comprises Chief Security Adviser, Johnson Adagba; council’s Legal Officer, Olubode Savage; and my Private Secretary, Dr. Sewedo Samuel.
‘The five – three from Badagry council and two from elsewhere, were sentenced for offences with options of fine; N200,000 to N250,000, which they were unable to meet.
‘Acting on the report, I mandated a committee to conduct background checks and visit to assess their conduct.
‘After monitoring, the committee confirmed the inmates had reformed, supported by evidence of good behaviour.
‘One inmate, a barber, was especially commended for cutting the hair of fellow inmates and teaching others the skill,’ he said.
Kriko said Hunpe’s intervention not only covered the settlement of their discharge conditions, but also provided resources to support their return home and ensure their smooth reintegration into the society.
‘This gesture, in the spirit of independence, reflects the chairman’s commitment to justice, mercy and giving the reformed citizens a fresh start,’ he said.