FIC Report (Ekiti State) – Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has granted clemency to 31 convicted inmates as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the State.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, announced this during a Press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.
He stated that the Governor’s approval followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Apata explained that the decision aligned with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowered the Governor to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
According to him, the Advisory Council received 453 applications from inmates, including those on death row and others serving various prison terms, both within and outside the State.
Providing a breakdown of the 31 pardoned inmates, Apata revealed: Two inmates were granted a full pardon, five inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, two others on death row had their sentences reduced to specific prison terms, four inmates had their prison terms commuted to five and ten years respectively, and eighteen inmates, who had less than six months left to serve, were released immediately.
“The Council was tasked with reviewing cases for potential pardon or clemency based on specific guidelines, including considerations of remorse, penitence, and evidence of rehabilitation while incarcerated,” Apata stated.
He further explained that the Council worked closely with the Nigerian Correctional Service and visited the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ado-Ekiti to assess inmates eligible for clemency.
“After a thorough review, the Council identified 453 inmates deemed to have demonstrated good conduct and potential for positive societal reintegration.
These recommendations were forwarded to the Governor for approval,” he added.
Apata commended Governor Oyebanji for approving the clemency and expressed hope that the pardoned inmates would seize the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
Signed
Ayodele Oluwatoyin
CIA&PRO
07/04/2025.
