President Muhammadu Buhari has granted presidential pardon to 2,600 inmates of correctional facilities nationwide.
Among those granted pardon by President Buhari are five ex-convicts among whom are Late Professor Ambrose Ali, Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Ex Lt. Col Moses Effiong, Major E. J Olanrewaju and Mr Ajay I Olusola Babalola.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, speaking during a news conference explained that after the release of the first phase of inmates, the committee on Presidential amnesty will continue to meet regularly to consider those who deserve the benefit.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, explained that the United Nations had called all nation’s of the world to reduce the number of inmates in custodial centres in view of social distancing attitude.
Mr Malami who described the flag off of the 2020 presidential pardon as historic said the process of selecting benefiaries started in 2018.
Those selected fall under the following categories:
- Inmates 60yrs & above
- Those suffering from ill-health likely to terminate in death
- Convicts serving 3yrs & above & have less than 6 months to serve
- Inmate with mental issues
5 Inmates with option of fine not exceeding N50k
He also urged the community to open their hearts and receive the beneficiaries without stigmatisation.
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