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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State pardoned 13 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre to mark Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary, commuting some death sentences to life.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Enugu State, in commemoration of Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary. The approval was conveyed to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze.
The governor exercised his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State.
Governor Mbah Grants Prerogative of Mercy
According to the governor's media aide, Dan Nwomeh, the decision was predicated on reports of ill-health and/or proven reform in character. The approval followed a recommendation by the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which is chaired by the state's attorney-general.
Mr Nwomeh listed the beneficiary inmates to include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo. Some of the inmates were pardoned and released, while others had their death sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, among other reputable bodies in the justice sector. The council's role is to advise the governor on the exercise of mercy powers.
Subsection 2 of Section 212 provides that the powers of the governor shall be exercised after consultation with an advisory council of the state on the prerogative of mercy as may be established by law of the state.
Commemorating Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary
The pardon is part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary, which is celebrated on October 1 each year. The governor's action reflects the spirit of mercy and nation-building associated with the occasion.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has commended the governor's decision, noting that it will help decongest the correctional facility and offer the beneficiaries a second chance at life.
This development comes as part of a broader effort by the Enugu State government to reform the justice system and promote rehabilitation of offenders.
Enugu State Peter Mbah Prisoner Pardon Nigeria Independence Correctional Service Prerogative Of Mercy Osinachi Nnajieze
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