The Legal Aid Council (LAC) of Nigeria on Thursday said it had secured the release 200 inmates from various prisons in Lagos State.
Mr Samuel Banjo, the zone director of the council in the South-West Zone, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this was due to the council’s intervention.
He said that the inmates were recently freed from the Badagry, Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons.
NAN reports that the LAC’s statutory duty is to provide free legal representation, assistance and advice, together with alternative dispute resolution services to the inmates.
It also gives free legal aid to the less privileged.
He said that some of the inmates awaiting trial were put in the prisons because they could not perfect their bail conditions.
"We have to ensure that they are granted bail, while they continue with their trials in various courts.
Banjo said that those still serving jail terms had been recommended to be released, based on the circumstances of their convictions.
He said that the council had also attended to over 250 criminal cases from July to September.
Banjo said that council lawyers traveling to and from courts was a huge financial responsibility.
He called on the government at all levels and philanthropic organisations to support the council in giving legal aid to the less privileged in the prisons.
"We solicit support from governments and well-meaning Nigerians who can support the activities of the council," Banjo added.
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