From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Over 100 inmates on death row at various correction facilities in Kano State have formally applied for mercy from the state authorities.
The Controller of Correction Services, Kano State Command, Suleiman M. Inuwa disclosed this when he received the Kano State Prerogative of Mercy Committee led by its chairperson, Azumi Namadi Bebeji at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Janguzu, Kano State.
While presenting the list of the 100 inmates on death row who had sought clemency, he added that ‘Many have already exhausted their appeals, while some are seeking clemency.’
The Controller lauded the committee for its unrelenting efforts at decongesting the Custodial Centres in the state, saying the positive impacts of their efforts are already being felt by the Service.
He also appreciated the committee for shouldering the cost of the Ramadan feeding Programme of inmates during this Holy Month.
The chairperson, Prerogative of Mercy Committee, who also received the list of inmates on Death Row (IDR), on life imprisonment, on long sentences, the elderly and those with serious medical challenges, assured that the government would look into their respective cases based on the attestation of good conduct and industry by the Correctional Service.
The chairperson appreciated inmates who had memorized the Holy Quran during their stay in custody as well as those who secured nine credits at the recently conducted National Examination Council (NECO) examinations and ( NBIS) and are now seeking admission into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
The chairperson called on all inmates to obey the rules of the Custodial Centres and be productive to themselves and the society while serving their various sentences.