From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday, approved the release of 11 convicts serving in correctional Centres in the state .
The exercise was based on the power of prerogative of mercy conferred on him by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
Sir Kashim Ibrahim, in a statement, noted that the Governor, who acted on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, released the convicts on New Year day.
The statement added that it was customary to extend a gesture of compassion on New Year day, by granting pardon to deserving prisoners within the jurisdiction of Kaduna state. The Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, had earlier recommended the grant of amnesty and for the immediate release of Musa John, Yakubu Abdullahi and Habu Usman.
Other convicts who were released included: Shamsu Usman, Abdullahi Abdulmumuni, and Mahadi Abdullahi as well as Futune Mabuke, Abdullahi Lawal,Sunday Iliya, Mohammed Anas and Kayode Gabriel Adenji.
The statement noted that, “Kaduna State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy based its recommendations on convicts serving sentences of three years or more who have six months or fewer to serve, long term prisoners who have served ten years or more of their sentence with good conduct, and convicts suffering from ill health likely to terminate in death.
“The committee also considered private submissions for clemency made to the governor.”
Earlier, Governor El Rufai had thanked the people of Kaduna State for the opportunity to serve them, and for their understanding and support over the years.