The former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, granted pardon to a 77-year-old man and 15 others on death row shortly before he left office.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in the state, Mr. Aminu Suleman, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Benin City.
According to him, Obaseki signed the warrants for the inmates’ release of the inmates in line with the powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) and other enabling laws.
He added that the decision followed recommendations from the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (ACPM), which reviewed pardon requests considering some factors.
The spokesman listed the factors to include severity and type of crime, inmate’s age at conviction and the length of time served.
Others are medical concerns or special needs, evidence of positive change, and rehabilitation programme participation.
Obaseki handed over power to Senator Monday Okpebholo as Edo State governor on Tuesday in Benin City.
