The Federal government has granted amnesty to five ex-convicts among whom are late Professor Ambrose Alli, late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Ex Lt. Col Moses Effiong, Major E. J Olanrewaju, and Mister Ajay I. Olusola Babalola.

Presidential pardon was also granted to 2,600 inmates nationwide with 70 inmates from Kuje Correctional Centre also as beneficiaries.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja.

He explained that after the release of the first phase of inmates, the committee on Presidential amnesty will continue to meet regularly to consider those who deserve the benefit.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, says the United Nations had called the nations of the world to reduce the number of inmates in custodial centres in view of social distancing attitude.

He lamented that 70 percent of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional centers are awaiting trial.

While describing the flag off of the 2020 presidential pardon as historic, Mr Malami said the process of selecting beneficiaries started in 2018.

He however urged the community to open their hands and receive the beneficiaries without stigmatisation.