By Divine Sam
On New Year’s Day, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State granted an unconditional pardon to 45 inmates who had committed minor offences.
This decision was made as part of an exercise of his prerogative of mercy, as outlined in Section 212(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The pardoned individuals were convicted of various crimes, including felony, theft, assault, armed robbery, cultism, and illegal activities.
Governor Otu emphasized the importance of providing second chances to reformed inmates and reducing prison overcrowding. Some of the pardoned individuals include Yahaya Suleman, Odey David, Michael Gbenga, and Mary Linus Ekpo, among others.