Kaduna Governor Grants Clemency to 27 Inmates for Independence Anniversary

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 latest exercise 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 him, the intervention included the release of eligible inmates as well as 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 clemency exercise was part of the governor’s practice of extending mercy to deserving inmates during major national occasions.

He noted that similar exercises had been carried out during New Year celebrations, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations.

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

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

The Chief Law Officer added that the government’s intervention was not limited to releasing inmates, but also addressed financial barriers preventing deserving prisoners from regaining their freedom.

According to him, the payment of fines and compensation was intended to give the clemency exercise a restorative justice dimension by recognising the interests of victims while helping eligible inmates reintegrate into society.

Kanyip said public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption should remain important considerations in the administration of justice.

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

He added that the Kaduna State Government would continue to support rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates into society.

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