Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has granted clemency to eleven inmates of Correctional Centres in Enugu State, in a significant move aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and offering the beneficiaries a second chance at life in society.
The clemency decision was conveyed to the state's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, according to a statement released on June 22, 2025.
Beneficiaries of the Governor's Clemency
The eleven inmates who benefited from the governor's mercy include Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, and Ngene Oluebube. Others are Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.
Governor Mbah exercised his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The decision was based on reports confirming the inmates' reformed character and their ability to reintegrate into society, having acquired productive skills during their incarceration. The clemency followed recommendations from the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which is chaired by the State Attorney-General.
The Advisory Council draws membership from various justice sector institutions, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).
New Board for Protection of State-owned Social Homes
In a related development, Governor Mbah has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his administration's commitment to caring for vulnerable populations in Enugu State.
The Board is chaired by the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, with Prof. Christian Anieke serving as co-Chairman and Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as Vice Chairman. The Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, represents the Ministry on the Board.
Other members include Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, with Barr. Uzoama Okeji serving as the Executive Secretary.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized his administration's commitment to inclusive prosperity and economic growth.
"We cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or behind. What we have pledged is an inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic growth, and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those very vulnerable ones in our society," the governor stated.
He assured that the government would provide all necessary resources to ensure that residents of the state's social homes live in comfort and dignity.
The First Lady, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, urged Board members to be diligent, fair, and transparent in discharging their duties, emphasizing the importance of taking good care of the children under their care.
These initiatives reflect Governor Mbah's broader vision for Enugu State, which combines economic growth with social welfare programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
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