A significant effort has been made to reduce prison overcrowding in Nigeria as 12 state governors have granted clemency to over 1,780 inmates since January 2024. This coordinated approach involved the release of hundreds of inmates with the support of state chief judges and non-governmental organizations. The initiative began with a mass pardon on New Year’s Day, with four states releasing 96 inmates. Various releases followed in different states throughout the year, facilitated by governors, chief judges, and NGOs. The actions taken have been instrumental in addressing the issue of overcrowded prisons in the country.
12 govs pardon 1,780 inmates to decongest prisons
