Governors Pardon Over 500 Inmates

Past and present governors have collectively pardoned 536 inmates from January to August 2023, as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding in correctional centers.

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In an ongoing initiative to alleviate the issue of overcrowding in Nigerian correctional centers, both past and present governors have granted pardons to a total of 536 inmates between January and August 2023. The objective of these pardons is to address the challenges posed by the high inmate population, which has strained correctional facilities across the country.

The most recent data on the inmate population, available on the Nigerian Correctional Service’s website, reveals that the total inmate count stood at 80,883. Among these, 55,257 inmates are awaiting trial, while 25,626 have been convicted.

Governors from various states have taken individual actions to address this problem:

1. In June, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State pardoned 80 inmates in different correctional centers and authorized the immediate payment of their fines, allowing them to reunite with their families.
2. On June 2, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, following the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 49 inmates from various correctional facilities in the state.
3. On May 30, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State announced the release of 49 prison inmates.
4. On May 28, former Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State pardoned eight convicts on death row and 13 other prisoners serving life sentences.
5. On May 27, Governor Mai Buni of Yobe State pardoned 115 prisoners selected from various correctional centers across the state.
6. On May 26, former Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State pardoned 24 convicts, including those sentenced to death, and paid N20 million in fines for 80 other inmates to secure their release.
7. On April 22, former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State pardoned 43 inmates serving various jail terms across the state.
8. On March 25, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, released 45 inmates during her visit to correctional centers in the state.
9. On March 7, Governor Ganduje pardoned 12 inmates on death row.
10. On January 1, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State granted state pardons to 18 inmates across various correctional facilities within the state.

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These pardons reflect the commitment of state governments to address the challenge of overcrowding in correctional centers. However, experts emphasize the need for checks and balances to ensure that the process is not abused and that the objectives of decongesting these facilities are achieved.