An inmate in Anambra State prison, Kingsley Mgbemena, has expressed remorse over the actions that led to his prison sentence.
He said he would prefer death to committing any other crime that would bring him back to the prison custody.
The 32-year-old inmate made the confession on Wednesday at the prison yard in Amawbia while being interrogated by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.
He pledged not to go back to vandalism offence that brought him to the prison or any other form of criminality, if released.
“I’ve been able to learn how to cut hair in the yard and that will engage my time any day I find myself out of this place.
“I’ll also tell my friends to leave the act of vandalism as well as buying stolen goods if I eventually leave here,” he added.
The chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary in charge of Special Duties Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, William Alo, said the team was more interested in the confession and repentant disposition of the inmates.
“What is important to us is the promise you’ve made today before God and man. We will also be glad when you tell others the dangers of crime and criminality,” he added.
According to him, the visit was primarily to identify and subsequently recommend inmates, who were deserving of presidential pardon.
He said the committee was expected to be guided by rigorous criteria in ensuring that only deserving persons were considered for pardon.
“The committee may also recommend a less severe form of punishment imposed on a convict for an offence among other mitigating measures as provided under the constitution,” he added.
On her part, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. (Dr.) Uju Nwogu, lauded the compassionate display of the Buhari-led government, particularly in the periodic pardon of prisoners across the country.
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She disclosed that the state governor, Willie Obiano, had at the last Independence Day, granted pardon to seven prisoners; adding that such gestures were carried out four times each year.
Nwogu further praised the commitment of prison officers towards the cleanliness of the prison environment which had reflected on the neatness and healthy appearances of the inmates.
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