Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the release of 11 inmates as part of efforts to ease overcrowding in the state’s correctional centers.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Uche Anichukwu, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on External Relations.

According to Anichukwu, the governor’s act of clemency is intended to offer the pardoned individuals a second chance at a meaningful life within society.

The inmates, who were granted pardon, were presented to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh.

Those granted clemency include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

Anichukwu noted that the governor exercised his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following recommendations from the state’s Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

“The decision was guided by evidence of positive character reform and the inmates' readiness to reintegrate into society, having acquired or demonstrated useful skills,” he said.

He added that the Council, led by the Attorney-General, includes representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), and other key institutions in the justice sector.