Enugu governor pardons or commutes sentences of 13 inmates

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has approved the pardon, release or commutation of sentences for 13 inmates in the state’s correctional centres. The decision was announced on Independence Day and was made under the governor’s prerogative of mercy powers in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The governor acted after consulting the Enugu State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

A statement by Mbah’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu, said the approval was conveyed to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Enugu by the Chief of Staff to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. 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. The statement said some inmates were pardoned and released, while the death sentences of others were commuted to life imprisonment.

It said the decisions followed reports of ill health or evidence of reform in character. The recommendation came through the correctional services and the advisory council, chaired by the state attorney-general. The council includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, among others.

Section 212 permits a governor to grant a pardon, respite or lesser punishment, or remit all or part of a sentence, after consultation with the state advisory council.