Osogbo: Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has pardoned 36 convicts at Ilesa and Ile-Ife correctional centres to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the gesture was exercised under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The beneficiaries, comprising men and women convicted mainly of minor offences like stealing and conspiracy, had already served significant portions of their prison terms.
Twenty-nine inmates were released from the Ilesa correctional centre, while seven were freed from the Ile-Ife facility. Gov. Adeleke stated that the move reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day embodies. ‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens,’ the governor stated.