3,442 inmates in Delta prisons – Okowa

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has said that there are a total of 3, 442 inmates in prisons across the state.

Okowa made the disclosure during the inauguration of 7- man Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in Asaba on Thursday.

The state governor who said prisons nationwide are overcrowded noted that there are currently 3, 442 inmates in Agbor , Kwale, Ogwashi-Uku , Sapele and Warri prisons.

He said the inmates include those convicted for felony as well as awaiting trial.

He also added that additional 1, 000 persons were convicted by the Delta State judiciary and we’re serving various jail terms in prisons in other parts of the country.

The governor however tasked the advisory council to among other grant pardon to convicts and come up with a workable plan for the rehabilitation of ex-inmates once they are released.

“Over the years, the Prerogative of Mercy has helped to decongest our overcrowded prisons nationwide, currently, there are 3,442 inmates in our prisons in Agbor, Kwale, Ogwashi-Uku, Sapele and Warri, this figure includes convicted felons and those awaiting trial. An additional 1,000 plus persons were convicted by the Delta State Judiciary but serving their various sentences in prisons in other parts of the Federation

“it is in line with the constitutional provision and consistent with our pursuit of a justice system that is fair and equitable that the Delta State Advisory Council On The Prerogative Of Mercy is being inaugurated. Beyond granting pardon to convicts, it is my hope and expectation that the Council will also come up with a template for the rehabilitation of this people once they are released, it is needful that we come up with a workable plan of how these ex-inmates can be engaged to facilitate their reintegration into the mainstream of society”, he said.

Members of the council include , Patrick Okpakpor [Chairman]; Samuel Efetobor; Kress Njuokuemeni; Irene Imilar; John Okoriko, Paulina Egbon, Representative, Nigerian Prisons Services [members], while Rosemary Monye would serve as secretary.

While commending the chairman and members of the Council on their appointment, the governor urged them to carry out their duty diligently as enshrined in the constitution.

Responding on behalf of the members, the chairman of the council thanked the governor for the appointment and assured that they would give quality advice to him in the course of their duty