In commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted pardon to 110 convicts, urging them to reform and acquire skills to become useful members of society. The governor visited the Nigerian Correctional Center in Kaduna to release the convicts, expressing concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences.
The pardoned convicts include 22 released under the prerogative of mercy, while 88 others were convicted with options of fine or compensation to victims. Governor Sani appreciated the efforts of the Correctional Service officers in maintaining peace in the custodial centers, which are currently overstretched with 3,000 inmates, exceeding their initial capacity of 500 and upgraded capacity of 1,100.
This move is seen as a gesture of goodwill and a step towards decongesting the state’s custodial centers. The governor’s action is in line with the spirit of Democracy Day, which celebrates the country’s transition to democratic rule. The released convicts are expected to reintegrate into society, and the governor’s plea for them to reform and acquire skills is aimed at ensuring they become productive members of society.
