FG to decongest Nigerian Prisons-Committee

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to decongest prisons across the country through various measures.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr William Alon during a visit by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to Bauchi Prison.

He said that, the visit was to identify and recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari the inmates that meet the criteria for presidential pardon in various Prisons across the country.

According to him, inmates in Bauchi Prison have been interviewed on their offences and how they ended up as inmates.

Mr Alon disclosed that the committee will determine whether or not the inmates have shown remorse adding that, their age will also play a role for their consideration by the committee.

The Permanent Secretary informed that, Nigerian Constitution empowers the President to pardon inmates recommended by a committee appointed to look into the possibility of pardoning them.

In his welcome remark earlier, the Bauchi State Controller of Prisons, Suleiman A. Suleiman thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up the committee which he said comprised of personalities with proven integrity.

According to him, the measure will go a long way towards reducing congestion of prisons across the country.