The Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday, set free 16 inmates from the National Correctional Centre in Ondo.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who is also the state Chairman for the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Mr Charles Titiloye. The statement was made available by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Richard Olabode.
According to the statement, the governor also commuted terms of imprisonment of 17 other inmates, serving various terms of imprisonment in custodial centres in the state.
It was noted that the action of the governor was part of the celebrations to mark 62nd independence anniversary of the country.
The statement read, “The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Akeredolu, SAN. has directed the Comptroller of Federal Correctional Services in the state to release 16 inmates from its custodial facilities to mark this year’s independence day celebration.
“This is in accordance with the power conferred on the governor by paragraphs (a) (c) and (d) of Subsection (1) of Section 212, of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
‘The inmates who were serving various terms of imprisonment at the Correctional centres received the grace and mercy of the governor based on their good conduct. They were recommended for release by the States Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy.
“The governor urged the released inmates to be of good conduct and see their release as another opportunity to live a better life devoid of crime. The governor called on the citizens of the state not to discriminate against them and integrate them into their various communities.”
