The governors of Gombe, Nasarawa, Taraba, Benue and States have pardoned 96 inmates.
In Gombe State, no fewer than 39 convicted inmates across custodial centers in the state have been pardoned; 26 are to be released unconditionally, while 13 others’ terms have been shortened.
Disclosing this on Monday during a statewide broadcast to commemorate the 2024 New Year, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said it was based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy.
He urged the beneficiaries to distance themselves from criminal activities capable of returning them to correctional centres.
He said, “In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, I have granted clemency to 39 convicted inmates in our custodial centres, out of which 26 inmates will be granted unconditional pardon, while the remaining 13 have their sentences commuted to shorter periods. It is our hope that the beneficiaries will turn a new leaf and embrace this opportunity for a fresh start.”
Alia pardons 12 Benue inmates
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has granted pardons to 12 inmates at the Correctional Centre in the state as part of the New Year celebrations.
Among those granted amnesty is one Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the state civil service in 1995 due to an offence that led to his imprisonment.
Yogbo had spent 29 years in prison before he was granted pardon on Sunday.
The governor, who said that the aim was to among others decongest the prison, explained that the inmates were released based on the recommendation of the Benue State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy headed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim.
Alia charged the released inmates to be of good behaviour as they step out of prison to integrate with society.
He also charged them to make use of the skills acquired while in custody to better their lives.
He said, “Give your society the very best. And as for the gentleman, whose dismissal has been converted to termination of appointment; don’t take any elements of life for granted. Demonstrate your newness in your society.”
Alia added that the act of mercy was premised on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people of the state just as he expressed worries that most of the inmates were young persons who shouldn’t be anywhere near the prison.
He added, “I will make provision for better welfare for you here but this shouldn’t be home for you, I am quite shocked to see the faces of many young people here where there are a total of 525 inmates including 25 females – one with a baby, others who came in with pregnancy.”
The governor also directed the Attorney General of the state to increase the number of members of the advisory council, to hasten the processes for effective administration of justice.
Taraba governor pardons 31 inmates
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, on Monday also announced clemency for 31 inmates in the spirit of the New Year celebration.
In a state broadcast, Kefas said, “As we usher in the dawn of a new year, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each one of you.
“Together, we started at the threshold of 2024, a year brimming with possibilities and opportunities for our great state.
“In the spirit of renewal and progress, I am pleased to announce that, in the exercise of my prerogative of power, we shall be granting clemency to 31 deserving inmates.
“This decision reflects our commitment to justice, compassion, and the belief in the transformative power of rehabilitation.”
While acknowledging the threat of insecurity bedeviling the state, Kefas said addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of the citizens was a constitutional responsibility that his administration takes seriously.
According to him, in the coming months, his administration will redouble its efforts to make Taraba a safer place for all.
The governor added, “Together, we shall overcome these challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony.
“In addition, let me assure you that our dedication to the unity and development of Taraba remains unwavering.
“Every citizen across the 168 wards is an integral part of our collective journey towards prosperity.
“My administration is resolute in ensuring that the dividends of governance are felt by the people. As we embark on this new chapter, let us foster unity, embrace progress, and work hand in hand for the betterment of Taraba.”
Nasarawa gov pardons 14 inmates
Similarly, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has pardoned 14 inmates serving various jail terms at Custodial Centres in the state.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Labaran Magaji, said this in a statement on Monday in Lafia.
The commissioner said the governor’s action was in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the Constitution.
He said Sule carried out the function based on the enabling powers conferred on him and in due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the prerogative of mercy.
Magaji also said the governor had released the inmates in commemoration of the January 1, 2024 celebration.
He said the released inmates included Sani Musa, Mohammed Maji, Danjuma Anthony, Ali Mohammed, Yahuza Turaki, Ibrahim Musa, and Abdullahi Usman.
Others are: ThankGod Bananas, Usman Idris, Adamu Sule, Terzungwe Mshi, Shehu Abubakar, Zacheous Ayuba and Surajo Abdullahi.
The Attorney General, therefore, called on the inmates to be law-abiding and desist from committing any crime that would bring them back to the Correctional Centres.
