Governors Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) have pardoned 95 convicts serving various jail terms in their states.
Sule pardoned 14 inmates, Kefas granted amnesty to 31, Alia freed 12 and Yahaya also freed the highest number of 39
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General (AG),. Labaran Magaji, in a statement on Monday in Lafia, 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 other three states – Benue, Taraba and Gombe did not give the names of the freed inmates who were all released on Monday to mark the new year.
Nasarawa
The state Commissioner said the pardon by Governor Sule was in exercise of the powers conferred on him under section 212 (1) and (2) of 1999 constitution (as amended), adding that the governor had carried out the function based on the enabling powers conferred on him and in due consultation with the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy.
Magaji also said the governor had released the inmates in commemoration of the Jan. 1, 2024 celebration as he therefore, called on the inmates to be law abiding and desist from committing any crime that would bring them back to the Correctional Centres.
Taraba
Gov. Kefas announced the pardon the 31 inmates in the state as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 New Year celebration in a state-wide broadcast marking the new year in Jalingo.
He underscored the state government’s commitment to give deserving individuals a second chance, saying “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 transformative power of rehabilitation.”
He acknowledged the prevalent security challenges affecting citizens in the state, and pledged to intensify efforts in the upcoming months to create safer environment for all residents.
Kefas said “addressing the security challenges that have touched the lives of some of our citizens is a constitutional responsibility that we will take seriously in the coming months of the year.
“We will double our efforts to make Taraba safer for all. Together, we shall overcome the challenges and ensure that our state thrives in peace and harmony.”
Kefas assured the public of his dedication to the unity and development of the state.
Benue
Gov. Alia granted State Pardon to 12 inmates serving various jail terms at the Federal Maximum Correctional Centre on Monday, when he visited the Nigerian Correctional Centre Makurdi, the Benue capital.
He warned the pardoned inmates to be of good behaviour as they reintegrated into the society and make use of the skills they acquired while in prison to better their lot.
Alia said they were granted pardon based on his administration’s desire to offer the best to the people, and lamented that most of the inmates were young persons who ordinarily, should not be anywhere near the prison.
The governor said among those to be granted state pardon was one Dennis Yogbo, who was dismissed from the state Civil Service about 28 years ago.
He said with the pardon, Yogbo’s dismissal had also been converted to termination of appointment.
Earlier in his remarks, the attorney general and commissioner for justice and public order said the advisory council recommended those that were granted pardon in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution for offences they committed against the state.
Mnyim said the inmates granted pardon were from Makurdi, Otukpo and Gboko correctional facilities.
The State Comptroller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Mrs Mary Oche acknowledged the efforts of the government in ensuring that inmates did not stay in the correctional centres unnecessarily.
Oche also commended the governor for providing transportation fares to the inmates to get to their respective destinations and enjoy the New year with their loved ones.
Responding on behalf of the freed inmates, Barnabas Apav, thanked the governor for the gesture and pledged that henceforth, they would be of good behaviour as they got back to the society.
Also Dennis Yogbo, who was granted state pardon, said he had been in prison for 28 years, until God sent Alia to come to his rescue, following the recommendation of the council , after reviewing his case and converting his dismissal to termination.
Gombe
Gov. Yahaya granted clemency to 39 inmates serving various jail terms in Correctional facilities in the state in a statewide broadcast to the people of the state on Monday in Gombe, as part of activities to mark the New Year.
He said the gesture was done in the spirit of New Year and to give the inmates opportunity to change into better people.
He said: “In the spirit of the new year, and based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on 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.”
The governor while wishing all residents a prosperous 2024, urged them to carry forward the lessons of 2023 and embrace the new year with renewed hope, determination, and common sense of purpose.
“In 2024, our focus will be on building a Gombe that leaves no one behind, as articulated in our recently passed 2024 budget christened the Budget of Continuity and Consolidation
