Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving various sentences in correctional centres across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The latest intervention brings the number of inmates who have benefited from the governor’s prerogative of mercy since he assumed office in 2023 to more than 500.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the commissioner, the state government has also paid more than N300m in fines and compensation for victims since the administration began the exercise.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, said the latest clemency exercise was in line with the governor’s practice of extending mercy to deserving inmates during major national celebrations.
He said similar interventions had been carried out during New Year celebrations, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations.
Kanyip explained that the process was guided by established procedures and considerations including accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities that come with freedom.
“The beneficiaries are expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation of their obligations to others,” he said.
The Attorney-General added that the intervention went beyond releasing inmates, as the government also addressed financial barriers that could prevent eligible prisoners from regaining their freedom.
He said the payment of fines and compensation was intended to incorporate restorative justice by recognising the interests of victims while supporting the reintegration of eligible inmates.
“Public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption should form part of the administration of justice,” Kanyip said.
Maiyaki said the exercise would provide the beneficiaries with an opportunity to reconnect with their families and communities and rebuild their lives.
He added that the state government would continue to support rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates into society.
