Ortom grant amnesty to 50 convicts

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

No fewer than fifty convicts serving various  jail terms across the country’s Correctional Centers yesterday enjoyed  the prerogative of Mercy of Governor Samuel Ortom due to  his compassion for humanity, following his order that granted amnesty to 50 convicts..

The signing of the warrant of amnesty by the Governor followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and is in compliance with section 212 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Barrister Michael Gusa  briefed journalists, explained that 34 convicts who were sentenced to death and awaiting execution from Custodial Centres in Jos and other centres were released by the Governor’s approval.

He further explained that the convicts had appealed their death sentences but the appeals failed, stressing that they now have a second chance in life.

He explained that 15 convicts who were on death sentence also had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while a convict had his 21 year jail term reduced to 15 years.

Some of the convicts granted amnesty are Benue indigenes while others are indigenes of other states who committed the offences in Benue state and were convicted before being moved to Jos Correctional Center to serve their jail terms.

Barrister Gusa stated  that the Governor’s approval also followed a recommendation by officials of Jos and Sokoto Correctional Centers where the convicts served and attested to their good conduct, stressing that they had turned a new leaf.