Twenty-seven inmates have been pardoned unconditionally by Yobe State Governor as part of measures to decongest correctional facilities against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The development was in exercise Prerogative of Mercy under section 212 of the Nigeria constitution.
Mamman Mohammed, Director-General Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to DAILY POST, indicated that the gesture was also in compliance with presidential directive to decongest prisons against the spread of coronavirus.
”His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe state, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has approved the grant of prerogative of mercy to 27 prison inmates in the state.
“The state Commissioner for Justice and Chairman Prerogative of Mercy Committee, Barrister Saleh Samanja, said the release of the inmates was in line with the presidential directive to decongest the prisons.
“The approval by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni was in accordance with section 212 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The release of the inmates was intended to curb the spread of the Coronavirus 19 pandemic in congested environments including the prisons,” the statement said.
