June 12: Kaduna Governor pardons 97 inmates, grants financial support

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The Governor made the announcement on Friday during a visit to the correctional facility. He said the decision was aimed at promoting justice, rehabilitation and giving deserving inmates a second chance.

According to Sani, the inmates were released under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The exercise included outright release, reduction of sentences and payment of fines for some inmates.

The Governor also announced cash grants for all the beneficiaries and offered them admission into state-owned vocational training institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf to help them acquire skills and become self-reliant.

He urged the freed inmates to live responsibly and make good use of the opportunity given to them.

Sani also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members to support the former inmates as they reintegrate into society.

As part of efforts to improve correctional services, the Governor approved the donation of a utility bus and medical equipment to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kaduna State.

Earlier, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the clemency exercise as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to compassion, rehabilitation and prison decongestion.

In a Democracy Day message, Sani described June 12 as an important date in Nigeria’s democratic history and paid tribute to heroes of the pro-democracy struggle, including Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said their sacrifices helped strengthen democracy in Nigeria and should continue to inspire future generations.