The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has granted clemency to 11 inmates as part of efforts to decongest the state’s correctional facilities. This was announced in a statement on Sunday by Uche Anichukwu, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on External Relations.

According to Anichukwu, the decision aims to give the beneficiaries a fresh opportunity to reintegrate into society. The freed inmates were handed over to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh.

The pardons, granted under the governor’s Prerogative of Mercy powers in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, followed recommendations by the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The council includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, CAPIO, and CIDJAP.

The beneficiaries include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

Anichukwu noted that the inmates were considered based on proven reforms and readiness to reintegrate into society.