TheCable

Francis Adebisi, controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Lagos state, says inmates convicted for the defilement of minors and other rape cases will not be considered for presidential pardon.

Adebisi spoke on Tuesday in an interview with NAN in Lagos.

He said the presidential advisory committee on prerogative of mercy (PACPM) had started assessment of inmates in Lagos, excluding those involved in rape cases — especially the defilement of minors.

Adebisi added that 300 inmates would be scrutinised in the state, while 80 will be considered for pardon.

“The pardon, however, will depend on whether the inmates under consideration will meet the criteria,” he said.

“The criteria include critical illness, old age, and more than 10 years in custody, among others. But any inmate involved in defilement or rape case will not be scrutinised or considered.”

On the importance of the exercise, he said it would enhance the decongestion of custodial centres in the state.

“For instance, the custodial centre in Ikoyi was constructed to accommodate only 800 inmates but as we speak,
there are over 2,500 inmates there,” he added.

“I am also using this opportunity to thank the committee and our passionate partners in the exercise, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state; Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior; and the controller-general of NCoS.”