Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the state, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The governor acted under the Prerogative of Mercy conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), after consulting the Enugu State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
A statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, on Independence Day, said the approval was conveyed to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, 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.
Some of the inmates were pardoned and released, while others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The governor’s decision was based on reports of ill health and/or proven reform in character, following a recommendation by the Correctional Service to the Advisory Council. The council is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and also includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), and other bodies in the justice sector.
Section 212(1) of the Constitution empowers a governor to grant a pardon, free or subject to lawful conditions, to anyone convicted of an offence under state law. It also allows the governor to grant a respite of punishment, substitute a less severe punishment, or remit all or part of a punishment or forfeiture.
Under Section 212(2), the governor must exercise these powers only after consulting the advisory council on the prerogative of mercy established by state law.
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