In a bid to avert the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in the correctional centres of Kwara State, the government, Monday disclosed the categories of prisoners to be freed in line with the federal government’s directive.
According to the state Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Salman Jawondo,SAN, nursing mothers and aged persons among others as well as minor offenders would be granted pardon by the government in four correctional centres located in Ilorin, Mandala, Omu-Aran and Lafiagi in the state.
He said aged inmates in bad state of health as confirmed by a qualified medical practitioner and those who have nearly completed their jail terms would also benefit from the government’s gesture.
The Commissioner said the gesture was in consonance with the Federal government’s directive to states in the quest to prevent the community spread of COVID-19.
Although, he did not specify the number of those to be freed, the pardon, according to him, would also involve awaiting trial inmates and convicts, adding that the exercise would be carried out in collaboration with the state ministry of justice, judiciary and religious leaders in the state.
