Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, granted pardon to 10 inmates with less than one year to serve their terms in correctional centres in the state.
Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah were among those granted pardons.
The pardon, granted in accordance with the governor’s prerogative of mercy, was announced in a statement by the Office of the Special Adviser, Media, Governor’s Office, led by Crusoe Osagie.
Obaseki’s stint as governor concluded on Monday, and he will pass over control to Edo State’s next governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Okphebholo rose to prominence after winning the state’s governorship election on September 21, 2024, defeating his closest challenger and Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Justice P.O. Isibor (retd), Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, requested that Obaseki pardon 10 convicts.
The statement read, “Following the ending of His Excellency’s tenure, the council received a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated 5th day of November 2024, requesting clemency for the inmates having less than one year to serve, forwarded to the council by the Controller of the Correctional Centre.
“The council convened a meeting where their applications were scrutinised and unanimously made appropriate recommendations.
“Mr. Governor is respectfully invited to consider and approve the recommendations of the council.”
