Osun State Government Grants Prerogative of Mercy To 53 Inmates

The Governor of Osun State, marking the Christmas festive season, has granted clemency to 53 inmates serving various sentences within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

This decision, made in accordance with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, was issued in a letter dated December 24, 2024, and has been acknowledged by relevant authorities, as claimed.

In a press release signed by the spokesperson to the state governor, Mallam Olawale AbdulRasheed, the exercise of prerogative mercy includes a combination of sentence remissions, pardons, and commutations.

A significant portion of the beneficiaries are inmates who have either demonstrated good conduct, served substantial portions of their sentences, or met specific criteria such as health challenges or extended time in custody.

Among them were, 30 individuals convicted of minor offences and had the remainder of their sentences fully remitted.

Additionally, 12 inmates serving terms for similar offences received outright pardons. For those facing more severe sentences, four inmates sentenced to death had their penalties commuted to full pardons, while six others were granted outright release. One inmate’s death sentence was commuted to 15 years of imprisonment as well.

Some individuals convicted of capital offences were granted clemency for reasons including exceptional conduct and medical conditions.