Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted pardon to 110 inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in the Stare ahead of June 12, Democracy Day.
He made this known during his visit to the Correctional Centre in Kaduna, in the company of Femi Falana SAN and other senior government officials, on Tuesday, 11th June 2024.
Governor Sani said his decision came from the overcrowding at the Correctional Facilities which are occasioned by social and economic conditions particularly inability to pay Fines.
The Governor who also provided the released inmates with a token of N30,000 each, for transportation urged the released inmates to be oc good character and encouraged them to develop one or two skills to help them stay off crime.
Sharing his message on X, Governor Sani said; “In exercise of my power of prerogative of mercy, I freed 110 convicts today to celebrate the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day. I was joined at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, venue of the event, by my dear comrade and colleague in the human rights and pro-democracy struggle, Femi Falana, SAN
I used the opportunity to pay tribute to my mentor and senior comrade, Chief Gani Fawehimni, SAN, GCON (of blessed memory) who devoted his boundless energy and legal skills to advicacy for reform of the penal system and decongestion of our correctional centers. He spent the better part of his life fighting for social justice, especially access to justice for the poor, vulnerable and underserved in our society.
Our administration is concerned about overcrowding in correctional facilities and the fact that many citizens are languishing in such facilities due to their social and economic conditions. There are many of our citizens who are in such centers due to their inability to pay small fines. Some were also convicted because they could not afford a lawyer. We live in a society where the underprivileged do not have the financial wherewithal to vigorously pursue the course of justice.
Our administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness. We are committed to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We have zero tolerance for discrimination. We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state.
While releasing the inmates, I urged them to reciprocate our administration’s gesture by being of good character henceforth. I encouraged them to acquire one or two skills. Our administration is eager and willing to assist them in acquiring skills. It is not too late for them to be useful to themselves, their families, and to the society.
As part of our interventions in supporting the operations of the Kaduna Custodial Centre, I have directed the installation of solar powered streetlights in the centre and provision of operational vehicles. I have also directed the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to work with the Controller on other areas of need.
Senator Uba Sani,
Governor, Kaduna State.
June 11th, 2024″
