Between the months of January and August 2023, a total of 536 inmates housed in 240 detention institutes have been granted pardons by both past and current governors.
Based on the most recent inmate population overview available on the official website of the Nigerian Correctional Service, it is reported that the total number of detainees amounted to 80,883. Among this population, 55,257 individuals are now in pretrial detention, while the remaining 25,626 have been convicted.
According to research conducted by The PUNCH, it was discovered that on June 12, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State granted clemency to a total of 80 prisoners who were being held in different correctional facilities. Additionally, the governor authorised the prompt settlement of their fines, thereby facilitating their reintegration into their respective families.
The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended the release of 49 detainees from correctional facilities across Lagos State on June 2, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the request.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun released 49 convicts on May 30.
On May 28, former governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom granted clemency to eight death row inmates and 13 others serving life sentences.
Mai Buni, governor of Yobe State, pardoned 115 inmates on May 27. They were picked at random from the state’s several prisons.
On May 26, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello pardoned 24 criminals, including some previously sentenced to death. Similarly, he paid N20 million in fines for 80 additional offenders so they could breathe free air.
Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State, pardoned 43 inmates serving varying imprisonment terms across the state on April 22.
On March 25, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, was reported to have released 45 detainees across the state during a visit to the correctional facilities. The Chief Judge paid visits to the penitentiary facilities in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Uyo.
Ganduje pardoned 12 death row convicts on March 7.
On January 1, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu issued state pardons to 18 inmates from various correctional facilities throughout the state.
