Between January and August 2023, past and present governors in Nigeria have granted clemency to a total of 536 inmates, with the aim of alleviating the congestion within the nation’s correctional facilities.
This is according to information obtained from the latest summary of inmate populations on the Nigerian Correctional Service’s website, as reported by The Punch
As per the data, the nationwide inmate population stood at 80,883, out of which, 55,257 inmates are awaiting trial, while 25,626 have been convicted.
Findings show that on June 12, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State granted clemency to 80 inmates in different correctional centers and authorized the immediate payment of their fines to facilitate their reunification with their families.
On June 2, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, acting on the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy’s recommendation, approved the release of 49 inmates from various correctional facilities within the state.
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Similarly, on May 30, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State announced the release of 49 prison inmates.
On May 28, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom pardoned eight individuals on death row and 13 others serving life sentences.
Governor Mai Buni of Yobe State, on May 27, granted clemency to 115 prisoners from various correctional centers across the state.
On May 26, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello pardoned 24 convicts, including those sentenced to death. He also paid fines totaling N20 million for 80 other inmates to secure their freedom.
On April 22, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje pardoned 43 inmates serving various sentences within the state. He also granted clemency to 12 inmates on death row on March 7.
Meanwhile, on March 25, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, released 45 inmates during her visits to correctional centers in the state.
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On January 1, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu granted state pardons to 18 inmates across various correctional facilities within the state.
Speaking to on the matter on Thursday, a security expert and Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, Kabir Adamu, said that the pardons by governors are part of decongesting the custodial centres, advising that there should be checks and balances so that the objectives are not abused.