Gov. Mbah Exercises Constitutional Prerogative of Mercy to Mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 3, 2026
ENUGU State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The decision was taken under the Governor’s Prerogative of Mercy pursuant to Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and following consultation with the Enugu State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the state government, the beneficiaries include Kenneth Ozioko, Moses Saliyat, Promise Ndudim Olung, Chijioke Ugwu, Samuel Ani, Eugene Odo, Celsus Emeachi, Caleb Jatto, Calistus Eze, Gabriel Onu, Timothy Ani, Ernest Okeke and Ejike Nwodo.
While some of the beneficiaries were pardoned and released, others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. The decision followed recommendations from the Correctional Service to the Advisory Council, with considerations including reports of ill health and demonstrated reform in character.
The Advisory Council is chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and includes representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO) and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other stakeholders in the justice sector.
The latest exercise underscores the constitutional provision empowering state governors, after consultation with the appropriate advisory council, to grant pardons, reduce sentences, substitute less severe punishments or remit punishments for offences created under state law.
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