Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu state, has pardoned and released 11 inmates from a few correctional centers across the state with the aim to alleviate prison overcrowdingand provide the freed individuals with a fresh start.
Governor Mbah exercised this power under Section 212 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to grant the pardon.
The decision was based on recommendations from the Enugu State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which comprises representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).
The inmates were formally handed over to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh.
Those who benefited from the pardon are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
According to the government, these individuals demonstrated positive behavioral changes and acquired new skills while incarcerated, making them ready to reintegrate and contribute to society. The release is intended to support their full reintegration and ease the burden on the prison system.
