Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has granted the prerogative of mercy to 31 convicted inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centres.
At a news conference in Ado-Ekiti, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata SAN, said the approval of the Governor, which is in accordance with Section 212 of the Nation’s Constitution, followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
According to Mr. Apata, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy reviewed the cases of inmates on death row and others serving various terms of imprisonment from Ekiti in the Nigerian Correctional Service Maximum Security Custodial Centre Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos State; Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and convicted inmates about to complete their jail terms at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ado-Ekiti.
He said the Council reviewed the cases of 453 inmates, out of which 31 inmates, who have been adjudged to be of good character and those who could contribute to society, were considered for the prerogative of mercy.
According to the Attorney General, two of the inmates were granted full pardon, five inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while two other inmates had their death sentences commuted to terms of imprisonment.
He also disclosed that four inmates serving life imprisonment had their sentences commuted to 5 years and 10 years terms of imprisonment, respectively, while 18 inmates who have less than six months to serve out their sentences are to be released immediately.
Mr. Apata explained that the selection process was based on merit, considering factors such as good conduct, age, health conditions, and the potential for reintegration into society.
He noted that this exercise is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure a fair and compassionate justice system while maintaining public safety.
The Justice Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to take this second chance seriously and contribute positively to their communities.
He reaffirmed that the Ekiti State Government remains committed to promoting a justice system that balances firmness with mercy.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained that the gesture of the Governor was part of the present administration’s efforts to decongest the correctional facility and further advance the Criminal Justice System in the State.
He urged the released inmates to be of good behavior and shun crime and criminality when they return to the larger society.
Also speaking, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Tolorunsagba Emmanuel, said the Federal Correctional Services was fully committed to the welfare and reformation of inmates under its custody.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Interior recently presented a van to the Federal Correctional Centre, Ado-Ekiti, to further ease the movement of inmates to and from the courts.
