Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the release of 11 inmates from various correctional centres across the state, in a move aimed at reducing congestion and encouraging reformation among inmates.
The announcement was made on Sunday in a statement issued by Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on External Relations.
According to Anichukwu, the clemency granted is in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers the governor to exercise the Prerogative of Mercy.
“The governor’s decision reflects his commitment to restorative justice and offers a second chance to individuals who have demonstrated genuine reformation,” Anichukwu said.
He noted that the process involved rigorous assessments and recommendations by the Correctional Service and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which is chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh.
“The beneficiaries were found to have undergone significant reform and acquired productive skills necessary for reintegration into society,” Anichukwu added.
Those granted clemency include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
The inmates were presented to the state Attorney-General by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Victor Udeh.
The Advisory Council comprises representatives from key justice and human rights organisations, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among others.
“This act of mercy not only speaks to Governor Mbah’s human-centred governance approach but also aligns with global best practices in correctional reforms,” said Kingsley Udeh while receiving the freed inmates.