Kaduna governor grants clemency to 27 inmates

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving sentences in correctional facilities across the state. The intervention was announced as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture Ahmed Maiyaki disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Friday.

The statement said more than 500 inmates had benefited from the governor’s prerogative of mercy since he assumed office in 2023. It added that the state had paid more than N300m in fines and compensation for victims during the period. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice James Kanyip said the latest exercise followed established legal procedures.

He said similar interventions had been carried out during New Year, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations. Kanyip said decisions were based on accountability, rehabilitation and the obligations attached to freedom. He said beneficiaries were expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility.

The commissioner said the programme was not limited to releasing inmates. By paying fines and compensation, he said, the government was also addressing victims’ interests and removing financial barriers that prevented some eligible prisoners from regaining their freedom. Kanyip said public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption should form part of the administration of justice.

The statement also included an Independence Day message from Action Alliance presidential candidate Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje. He urged Nigerians to build a country where peace, justice and opportunity could thrive, while calling on the Federal Government to address poverty, inflation and insecurity.