Lagos CJ grants amnesty to 80 minor inmates

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, granted amnesty to 80 underage inmates of the Badagry Prison.

The minors, whose ages are between 12 and 17, were reportedly arrested and charged with breach of public peace and “having no means of livelihood.”

Justice Atilade, who visited the prison, noted that the amnesty granted the underage inmates was in tandem with the resolution of the judiciary to protect child rights and to also decongest prisons nationwide.

Only 28 names out of the 80 minors released were sent to the Lagos State Prisons Decongestion Committee headed by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye for a review of their cases.

But a visit to the prison showed that 90 per cent of the inmates were underage and the Chief Judge had to review more cases together with her team.

Justice Atilade, who expressed surprise at the number of minors in the Badagry Prison, condemned the imprisonment of underage at the regular prison as opposed to foster homes.

UCJ, UNILORIN.