By John Ikani
The Federal Capital Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has released two former governors, Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame from costodial centres.
Nyame, 66, ex-governor of Taraba from 1999 to 2007, was serving a 12-year jail term at the Kuje prison over misappropriation of funds while he was in office.
Dariye, 64, who governed Plateau between 1999 and 2007, was also jailed for corruption during his time as governor between 1999 and 2007.
The duo, among others were granted pardon on April 14, 2022 by the Council of State, under the leadership of President Buhari.
The decision generated a lot of criticisms from among many Nigerians.
Announcing the release to newsmen in Abuja, the nation’s capital,
the Public Relations Officer, FCT command, Mr Chukwuedo Humphrey said the letter of their release was sent to the command by the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Committee on Monday.
He said the two former governors were pardoned on ill health and age grounds and were released immediately, but did not disclose the names of other released persons.
“We have no right to hold them further as soon as we have the letter of clemency from the presidency.
“If we do, it will be against their fundamental human rights.
“They have left the facility today. We got the warrant of release today and have done the needful.
“Dariye and Nyame were in Kuje custodial centre while the three others were in Suleja custodial centre,” he said.
