Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor’s approval was make pursuant to his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and followed consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the approval was conveyed to the Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, 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.
The statement said some of the beneficiaries were pardoned and released, while the death sentences of some others were commuted to life imprisonment.
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However, it did not specify which of the 13 inmates fell into each category.
The measure, according to the statement, followed reports of ill health and evidence of character reform, as well as recommendations from the Correctional Service to the Advisory Council.
The Council is chaired by the State Attorney-General and includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service; Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, CAPIO; Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, CIDJAP; and other justice-sector bodies.
The Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional power that allows a Governor, subject to the prescribed process, to grant a pardon, reduce or substitute a punishment, or remit all or part of a sentence for offences created under State law.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
