Nigeria@66: Uba Sani frees 27 inmates in Kaduna

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

The gesture, according to the state government, is aimed at giving deserving inmates an opportunity to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the latest exercise had increased the number of inmates who had benefited from the governor’s clemency initiatives to more than 500 since he assumed office.

Maiyaki said the interventions had also included the payment of fines and compensation amounting to more than N300 million for victims since 2023.

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

According to him, similar exercises had been conducted during New Year, Democracy Day and Independence Day celebrations.

Kanyip said the prerogative of mercy was exercised through established processes, with consideration given to accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities attached to freedom.

He said beneficiaries were expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation of their obligations to others.

The commissioner said the payment of fines and compensation was intended to give the clemency initiative a restorative justice dimension by removing barriers to the release of deserving inmates while recognising the interests of victims.

He added that the interventions were guided by the belief that public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption should remain integral to the administration of justice.

The government said the clemency programme was not limited to securing the release of inmates but also provided beneficiaries with opportunities to reconnect with their families and communities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates into society while maintaining a justice system that protects the public, respects victims’ interests and gives deserving individuals opportunities to become responsible and productive members of their communities.