Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday granted clemency to 10 inmates who had less than a year remaining on their sentences. The beneficiaries include Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah.
The pardon was part of Obaseki’s prerogative of mercy and was announced in a statement from the Office of the Special Adviser on Media, Crusoe Osagie. It followed a request from the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Justice P.O. Isibor (retd.), prompted by a letter from the Benin Correctional Service.
The letter, dated November 5, 2024, sought clemency for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. The council reviewed and approved the applications, forwarding the recommendations for Obaseki’s approval.
As his tenure ends, Obaseki is set to hand over to Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo, who won the September 21, 2024, election against his closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP.
The statement explained, “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 for 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.”
