The Ekiti State Government has granted prerogative of mercy to 31 convicted inmates as part of ongoing efforts to promote justice reform and decongest correctional facilities.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), announced this in Ado-Ekiti, noting that the gesture followed a thorough review of 453 applications submitted by inmates across various correctional facilities in Nigeria.

According to Apata, the clemency was approved by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers state governors to grant pardons to convicted individuals.

Outlining the details, Apata said two inmates were granted full pardons, while five death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

“Two other death sentences were reduced to specific prison terms, and four life sentences were commuted to terms ranging from five to ten years. Additionally, 18 inmates with less than six months remaining on their sentences are to be released immediately”.

He explained that the Constitution provides that a Governor may grant a pardon to any person convicted under state law, either unconditionally or with lawful conditions.

Speaking on the impact of the gesture, Comptroller of the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre, Mr. Emmanuel Olorunshagba, welcomed the decision, noting that it would significantly ease overcrowding.

Olorunshagba said the facility currently houses 787 inmates, which is well above its approved capacity of 347.

The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and humane correctional administration.