Bello grants pardon to 46 inmates in Niger

Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger state has granted unconditional pardon to 46 inmates spread across various correctional centres in the state.

This is contained in statement issued on Sunday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Nasara Dan-Mallam.

Dan-Mallam, who is also the chairman of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, said the release of the inmates was as a result of presidential recommendation that state governors should consider granting pardon to deserving inmates with a view to decongesting the prisons.

The attorney general disclosed that the pardoned inmates were considered for release based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on prerogative of mercy with due consideration to old age, ill- health and convicts serving three years and above with less than six months to serve, among other conditions.

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He further appealed to the released inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them to crime.

He further enjoined them to be of good behaviour and become productive to the society.

“Government wants you to be good citizens for the socio-economic and political development of Niger state in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Dan-Mallan said.