“The pain I went through in the hands of the officers was unimaginable. In my whole life, I have never been subjected to such inhuman treatment… I sincerely hope the authorities will listen to the voice of Amnesty International. I want Amnesty International to help save my life.”

These were the touching words of 24 year old Moses Akatugba. He was 16 when he was arrested under suspicion of armed robbery in November 2005., and 24 when he was sentenced to death by hanging and allegedly convicted based on ‘confessions’ obtained through torture.

Respite has however come to embattled Akatugba when the out-going Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of oil wealthy Delta state, during a valedictory state executive council meeting held at the new Government House, Asaba on Thursday, May 28, 2015 said the decision to grant full pardon to Akatugba came on the heels of global concerns.

Uduaghan granted pardon to Mr. Moses Akatugba and three others facing death penalty in the state.

Governor Uduaghan also disclosed the pardon was granted based on a report from the State Prerogative of Mercy Council and reviewed by the State Attorney–General.

“I have granted pardon to Mr Moses Akatugba, I have signed his warrant of release, he was the young man who was sentenced to death when he was 16 years old and his case has been trending on the social media and Amnesty International has also intervened”, DR. Uduaghan said adding “I have also commuted the death sentence of three others to various prison terms”.

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