Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was made pursuant to the Governor’s constitutional power of Prerogative of Mercy under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and following consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Enugu State.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s media aide, Uche Anichukwu, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the approval was conveyed to the Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Enugu State Command, by the Chief of Staff to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Osinachi Nnajieze.
The beneficiaries are Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, Eugene Odo, Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke and Ejike Nwodo.
The statement said while some of the inmates were granted pardon and released, others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The Governor’s decision followed recommendations presented to the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy by the correctional authorities.
According to the statement, the recommendations were based on factors including ill health and evidence of reform in character among the affected inmates.
The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy is chaired by the Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
The exercise forms part of the state government’s activities to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
