Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has facilitated the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre in celebration of the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day.
Governor Sani, accompanied by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, visited the Correctional Centre on Tuesday. The governor emphasized that this gesture aims to decongest the prisons and offer a second chance to deserving inmates.
Out of the 110 released, 22 convicts were pardoned under the prerogative of mercy powers granted by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution. The remaining 88 were those convicted with options of fine or compensation to their victims.
Governor Sani expressed concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial or with ongoing trials, noting the strain on the custodial centres. The centres, originally built for 500 inmates and later upgraded to 1,100, now house 3,000 inmates.
Visiting the centre on Democracy Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed for Nigeria’s freedom, Governor Sani underscored the importance of law and order. He called on citizens to avoid criminal activities and respect the law.
“Our administration is based on justice and fairness, aiming to support the poor and vulnerable in Kaduna State without discrimination. We believe in the potential for goodness in everyone and that everyone deserves a second chance,” he said.
The governor urged the released inmates to lead good lives and acquire new skills, promising government support in skill acquisition.
Governor Sani also commended the Correctional Service officers for maintaining peace in the centres and pledged to improve facilities like solar lights.
Senior Advocate Femi Falana urged the governor to mandate monthly visits by Chief Magistrates to police detention facilities to prevent unnecessary arrests and prison congestion. He also encouraged investment in upgrading correctional facilities now that the Correctional Service has been moved from the exclusive to the concurrent list.
Falana praised Governor Sani for pardoning 22 convicts and securing the release of 88 awaiting trial inmates. He advised the released inmates to avoid actions that could lead them back to prison.
Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, Isah Mohammed Nuru, highlighted the challenges faced by the centre, including a high number of awaiting trial inmates and inadequate operational vehicles. He requested additional resources such as an 18-seater bus, solar lights, and a solar borehole to improve the centre’s operations.
