The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Lagos, Francis Adebisi, on Tuesday revealed that inmates involved in the defilement of minors and other rape cases were exempted from being considered for a presidential pardon.

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

He confirmed that the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy had started assessment of inmates in the state for freedom under the Prerogative Mercy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, he said that inmates involved in rape cases, especially the defilement of minors, would not benefit from such pardon, hence they were excluded from the assessment.

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

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

(NAN)