Independence: Mbah pardons, commutes sentences of 13 inmates - The Guardian Nigeria News

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, yesterday, approved the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centres, Enugu State, as part of activities to commemorate the 66th Independence anniversary.

The development is in the exercise of 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 in the state.

According to a statement released by Mbah’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the Governor’s approval had been conveyed to the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze.

The beneficiary inmates are Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo.

Others are Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, and Ejike Nwodo.

While some of the inmates were pardoned and released, some had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Mbah’s decision was predicated on reports of ill health, proven reform in character, and following a recommendation by the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Membership of the Council equally comprises representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable bodies in the justice sector.