Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted freedom to 36 inmates from the Ilesa and Ile-Ife correctional centres in celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 1, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the release, the governor acted on the advice of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and invoked powers given to him under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
A proclamation signed on September 24 confirmed that the remaining jail terms of the inmates had been wiped out, with immediate effect.
Twenty-nine inmates were released from Ilesa Correctional Centre and seven from Ile-Ife Correctional Centre. Many of them had been convicted for offences such as stealing and conspiracy but had already served a large part of their sentences.
READ ALSO: Adeleke Warns Security Agencies: Stay Neutral in Osun Politics
Governor Adeleke described the gesture as an act of compassion and a fresh start for those released.
“As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens.
“This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,” he said.
He added that the decision was intended to encourage genuine reform and support the reintegration of ex-convicts back into society as productive citizens.