Fayemi frees 18 convicts, pardons one ex- convict

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has freed 18 convicted inmates and pardoned an ex- convict, the state’s attorney general has disclosed.
According to a statement released by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda on Sunday, the governor exercised his power of Prerogative of Mercy to grant the clemency to 18 prisoners serving various terms in Nigerian Correctional Services facilities in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Kirikiri Maximum, Lagos State respectively.
Fapohunda in the statement said the decision was sequel to the acceptance of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy by the governor.
“I am pleased to announce today that the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, has accepted the recommendation of the Ekiti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy to grant clemency to 18 prisoners serving various prison sentences in the Nigerian Correctional Services Facilities in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Kirikiri Maximum, Lagos State respectively.
“In addition, Mr. Governor has also granted State Pardon to one applicant.”
He listed those released from prison as Olowo Ajayi, Ojo Sunday, Sunday Fanimara, Olusuyi Dare Olaifa, Williams Sunday, Sylvanus Oferufega, Lucky Suberu and Babatunde Ogunjobi.
Others include Tope Ajayi, Lawrence Idowu Bamidele, Ogunboyo Richard, Ayodele Ayinde, Adebayo Ojo, Akeem Adebayo, Abirifon Julius and Abirifon Olabode.
He added: “Those whose death sentence are committed to life imprisonment include Tunde Abe and Adeniyi Owolabi, while Abologbonrin Ojo was granted pardon.
“The Ekiti State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy considered 50 applications for clemency at its third sitting. The applications of these beneficiaries were granted because they have individually demonstrated the potential to turn their lives around.
“On behalf of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I congratulate all the beneficiaries, specifically those who have been released from the Correctional Facilities. It is our expectation that these beneficiaries will make the best use of this second chance by being law abiding and good citizens,” he said.