Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates in the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor’s decision, exercised under the Prerogative of Mercy provided by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, followed recommendations by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State.
The approval was conveyed to the Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze.
The beneficiaries are Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, Eugene Odo, Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke and Ejike Nwodo.
While some of the inmates were pardoned and released, others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The action followed reports of ill health and evidence of reformed character among the beneficiaries, based on recommendations from the Correctional Service.
The Advisory Council, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), and other justice-sector organisations.
