On October 1, 2026, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State exercised his power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, approving the pardon, release, and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates. This decision was made in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State. The beneficiaries include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, and Eugene Odo, among others.
According to a statement by the Governor's media aide, Uche Anichukwu, the approval was conveyed to the Comptroller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the Chief of Staff to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze. The Governor's decision was based on reports of ill health and proven reform in character, following recommendations by the Correctional Services to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, comprises representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable bodies in the justice sector. This council plays a crucial role in advising the Governor on matters of mercy.
Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution grants the Governor the power to grant pardons, respite, or commute sentences. Specifically, Section 212 (1) allows the Governor to grant pardons, either free or subject to lawful conditions, or substitute a less severe form of punishment for any offence. Section 212 (2) requires the Governor to exercise this power in consultation with an advisory council on the prerogative of mercy.
Among the 13 pardoned inmates, some were released, while others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. The Governor's decision aims to provide a second chance to those who have shown reform and to alleviate the suffering of inmates with health issues. This move is part of the Governor's efforts to promote justice and rehabilitation in the state.
The Enugu State Government's decision to pardon and release inmates is a significant step towards upholding the principles of justice and humanity. By exercising his Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Mbah demonstrates his commitment to providing opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation to deserving inmates.
Key points of this development include the Governor's use of his constitutional power to pardon 13 inmates, the involvement of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in the decision-making process, and the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment for some inmates.
Key points
- Governor Peter Mbah pardoned and released 13 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Centres in Enugu State.
- The Governor's decision was based on reports of ill health and proven reform in character.
- The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy played a crucial role in advising the Governor on matters of mercy.
