January 1, 2025
By Idris Buba
In the spirit of the New Year celebration, Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has granted unconditional pardon to 45 inmates who committed minor offences.
According to a statement by governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, on Wednesday, the action was in exercise of the governor’s prerogative of mercy pursuant to Section 212 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
He said the pardon was contained in the approval governor Otu, gave to the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ededem Ani.
READ MORE; Governor Adeleke Pardons Man Sentenced To Death For Stealing Fowl, 52 Others.
Accordingly, “The pardoned inmates were convicted of various offences ranging from felony, stealing, breaking and entering, assault, threats to life, cultism, armed robbery, illegal entry, logging and unlawful possession, conspiracy, assault and threatening violence, and malicious damage, among a few others.
“Governor Otu explained that it’s important to give a second chance to those pardoned and considered reformed, as well as the need to decongest the prison.”
The governor however, warned the pardoned prisoners to be of good character and behaviour in the society.
