Between January and August 2023, past and present governors in Nigeria have granted pardons to a total of 536 inmates across 240 custodial centers, according to information obtained by a correspondent. The Nigerian Correctional Service’s website shows that the total inmate population as of this period was 80,883, with 55,257 inmates awaiting trial and 25,626 convicted inmates.
Here are some examples of governors granting pardons:
In June, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State pardoned 80 inmates in various correctional centers and approved the immediate payment of their fines to facilitate their release.
In June, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, based on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 49 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.
In May, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State announced the release of 49 prison inmates.
In May, former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, pardoned eight convicts on death row and 13 other prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment.
In May, Yobe State Governor, Mai Buni, pardoned 115 prisoners selected from various correctional centers across the state.
In May, the former governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, pardoned 24 convicts, including those already sentenced to death, and paid fines for 80 other inmates for their release.
In April, former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, pardoned 43 inmates serving various jail terms across the state.
In March, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, released 45 inmates across the state during her visit to the correctional centers.
In January, the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, granted state pardons to 18 inmates across various correctional facilities within the state.
These pardons are aimed at decongesting the custodial centers, particularly for those inmates who have been granted state pardons. However, security experts emphasize the importance of checks and balances to ensure that the objectives of these pardons are not abused.