Nigeria@ 66: Govs Pardon Over 200 Inmates

At least 257 inmates have been released from correctional facilities across four states after governors granted them pardons and other forms of clemency to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The beneficiaries are from Plateau, Kogi, Taraba and Adamawa States, where the governors announced executive mercy as part of activities marking the October 1 anniversary.

Plateau recorded the largest number, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang granting an absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuting the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.

In Kogi State, Governor Usman Ododo granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts.

Ododo said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and compassionate considerations, while seven others received remission of sentence.

In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas granted executive pardons to 24 reformed inmates.
Kefas announced the pardon during his statewide broadcast yesterday, saying the decision was made in exercise of his constitutional powers and following the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Similarly, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa pardoned nine inmates serving various terms across the state.

Fintiri also commuted the death sentence of one inmate, Saidu Abdullahi of the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment.

The governor acted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, with the pardons and commutation taking immediate effect after completion of legal formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service.

In total, 264 inmates and convicts benefited from pardon or other forms of clemency across the four states. Of the figure, 257 regained freedom, while the remaining had their sentences remitted or commuted to life imprisonment.