Kaduna gov pardons 27 inmates to mark 66th Independence anniversary

File: Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

The exercise brings to more than 500 the number of inmates who have benefited from the governor’s prerogative of mercy since he assumed office in 2023.

The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to him, the intervention included the release of eligible inmates and the payment of fines and compensation amounting to over N300m for victims since 2023.

The statement quoted the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, as saying that the latest exercise was part of the governor’s practice of extending mercy to deserving inmates during major national occasions.

Kanyip said similar exercises had been conducted during New Year celebrations, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations.

He explained that the prerogative of mercy was exercised through established processes, taking into account accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities attached to freedom.

The Chief Law Officer said, “The beneficiaries are expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation of their obligations to others.”

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He added that the government’s intervention was not limited to releasing inmates but also included addressing financial barriers preventing deserving prisoners from regaining their freedom.

Kanyip said the payment of fines and compensation was designed to give the clemency exercise a restorative justice dimension by recognising the interests of victims while helping eligible inmates return to society.

He said, “Public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption should form part of the administration of justice.”

The commissioner said the clemency exercise would also enable beneficiaries to reconnect with their families and communities and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

He added that the state government would continue to support rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates into society.

The statement said the administration remained committed to a justice system that protected society, respected the interests of victims and gave deserving individuals an opportunity to become responsible and productive members of their communities.