NB247
The Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has directed the release of 16 inmates from the Federal Correctional Services in the state to mark this year’s Independence day celebration.
The Governor also commuted and reduced the sentences of 17 other inmates serving various terms of imprisonment in custodial centers in the state.
Ondo State Attorney General, who is the Chairman of state Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Charles Titiloye, in a statement on Saturday, said the action was in line “with the power conferred on the Governor by paragraphs (a) (c) and (d) of Subsection (1) of Section 212, of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended).”
“The inmates who were serving various terms of imprisonment at the Correctional centers received the Grace and Mercy of the Governor based on their good conduct,” he said.
“They were recommended for release by the States Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy.
“The Governor urged the released inmates to be of good conduct and see their release as another opportunity to live a better life devoid of crime.
“The Governor called on the citizens of the state not to discriminate against them and integrate them into their various communities.
The governor, in January this year, granted amnesty to 10 inmates of the Nigeria Correction Service centres in the state.
Four of those pardoned were freed totally while the remaining six, who had earlier been sentenced to death, had their sentence commuted to life imprisonment.
The governor’s gesture was to mark the 2022 New Year celebration