Governors in Plateau, Kogi, Taraba and Adamawa states have granted pardons and other forms of executive clemency to a total of 264 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The clemency exercise saw 257 beneficiaries regain their freedom, while others had their sentences reduced or converted to alternative terms.
Plateau State recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with Governor Caleb Mutfwang granting absolute pardon to 130 inmates.
The governor also commuted the death sentences of four inmates to life imprisonment.
In Kogi State, Governor Usman Ododo approved various forms of clemency for 101 inmates and convicts.
According to the governor, 94 beneficiaries were selected based on factors including age, health conditions, good conduct, evidence of rehabilitation, remorse and other compassionate considerations. Seven others received remission of their sentences.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas also granted executive pardon to 24 inmates who had demonstrated signs of rehabilitation.
Kefas announced the decision in a statewide broadcast, explaining that the action was taken under his constitutional powers and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri granted pardon to nine inmates serving different sentences across the state.
Fintiri also reduced the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment.
The Adamawa governor acted on the recommendation of the state Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, with the decisions taking effect after the necessary legal procedures were completed in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Independence Day clemency exercises across the four states reflect the constitutional powers of state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy and consider cases involving rehabilitation, conduct and other humanitarian circumstances.
Nigeria@66: Governors Grant Clemency to Over 260 Inmates Across Four States
