By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Benue State Government has granted pardon to 50 Convicts serving various jail terms in correctional centers across the country.
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom signed the pardon following the recommendations from the state Advisory committee on Prerogative of Mercy in line with section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.
Briefing Journalists in Makurdi, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Benue State, Mr Mike Gusa explained that 34 Convicts who were sentenced to death and awaiting execution in the correctional center, Jos and other centers have been released following Governor’s approval.
According to the Commissioner, fifteen Convicts who were on death sentences also had their sentences committed to life imprinsonment while a convict had his 21 year’s term reduced to 15 years.
Gusa maintained that the Governor’s approval also followed a recommendation by officials from the Jos and Sokoto correctional centers where the Convicts served and attested to their good conducts.
The Commissioner said some of the Convicts granted pardon were Benue State indigenes while others were indigenes of other states who had committed offenses in Benue State and convicted before moving to the Jos center to serve their jail terms.
