Nigerian Governors Grant Pardons to Over 250 Inmates

To mark Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, at least 257 inmates were released from correctional facilities in Plateau, Kogi, Taraba, and Adamawa States following gubernatorial pardons. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau granted an absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.

In Kogi State, Governor Usman Ododo pardoned 101 inmates, citing reasons such as old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse, and compassionate considerations. Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba pardoned 24 reformed inmates, while Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa pardoned nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi to life imprisonment.

These actions were taken based on recommendations from the respective State Advisory Councils on the Prerogative of Mercy, with the pardons and commutations taking immediate effect after legal formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service were completed.