From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.
The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has granted pardon to fourty six inmates spread across various Correctional Centres in the State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Niger State, Barrister Nasara Dan-Mallam who is also the Chairman of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, explained that the release of the inmates was as a result of Presidential recommendation that, State Governors should consider grant of pardon to deserving inmates with a view to decongesting the prisons.
The Attorney General disclosed that the pardoned inmates were considered for release based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill health, convicts serving three years and above with less than six months to serve among several others.
He further appealed to the released inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them to crime.
He enjoined those released to be of changed behavior and become productive to the society. According to the Attorney General, “Government wants you to be good citizens for the socio-economic and political development of Niger State in particular and Nigeria as a whole”.
