Jubilation as Govt pardons 10 prison inmates

News Update

As he prepares to leave office, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has exercised his right to grant clemency, pardoning 10 inmates who had less than one year left to serve in state correctional facilities.

The news was shared by Justice P.O. Isibor (retired), Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in Benin City on Monday.

Among the beneficiaries of this clemency are Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah.

Justice Isibor explained that, as Governor Obaseki’s tenure nears its end, the Council received a formal request from the Benin Correctional Service.

This appeal, submitted by the Controller of the Correctional Centre and dated November 5, 2024, sought clemency for inmates with less than a year remaining on their sentences.

Following the request, the Council convened a session to review the cases of these inmates. After a thorough review process, the Council collectively decided to recommend clemency for the individuals in question. “Mr. Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the Council,” Justice Isibor stated.