Enugu Governor Frees 13 Inmates to Mark Independence Day

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has pardoned, released, and changed the sentences of 13 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the state.

Uche Anichukwu, the governor's media aide, announced this in a statement on Thursday.

Anichukwu explained that the governor took this step to celebrate Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary.

“This 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, Enugu State,” he said.

The approval was sent to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osinachi Nnajieze.

Anichukwu shared the names of the inmates who benefited from this decision. They include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo.

The list also includes Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke, and Ejike Nwodo.

Some of these inmates were pardoned and released. Others had their death sentences changed to life imprisonment.

Anichukwu explained that the governor’s decision was based on reports of ill-health or proven reform in character. This followed a recommendation from the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which is led by the state’s attorney-general.

The council also includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation, and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace, among other respected groups in the justice sector.

Anichukwu emphasized that the governor’s actions were supported by Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He noted that Subsection 2 of this section states that the governor's powers must be exercised after consulting an advisory council of the state on the prerogative of mercy, as established by law.