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Democracy Day: Governor Uba Sani Releases 110 Inmates in Kaduna |
On the occasion of the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has facilitated the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
Accompanied by the esteemed rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, Governor Sani visited the Kaduna Custodial Centre. He shared that this initiative is a part of his administration's commitment to prison decongestion and offering a second chance to deserving inmates.
He remarked, "Among these, 22 convicts will be granted release under the prerogative of mercy authority vested in me by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)."
Furthermore, he noted that the other 88 convicts are those sentenced with an option of fines starting from N10,000, and some are required to make compensations to their victims, with amounts starting from N150,000.
The governor voiced his concerns about the high number of inmates awaiting trial or in the midst of their trials.
Highlighting the issue of overcrowding, he pointed out that the custodial centres in Kaduna State, originally designed for 500 inmates, have been expanded to accommodate 1,100 but are currently housing 3,000 inmates.
Governor Sani expressed his mixed emotions during the visit, recognizing the significance of Democracy Day—a day to honor the sacrifices made for freedom—and the plight of those who have erred.
He counseled the released inmates to maintain good conduct moving forward.
Falana, in his address, recommended that Governor Sani instruct all chief magistrates in the state to conduct monthly inspections of police detention centers to mitigate unwarranted arrests and prison overcrowding.
He commended Sani's decision to pardon 22 convicted inmates and facilitate the release of 88 inmates awaiting trial. He also cautioned the freed individuals against engaging in activities that could result in their return to incarceration.
Isah Mohammed Nuru, the Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, had previously highlighted the challenges faced by the custodial centre, including a large number of inmates awaiting trial and a shortage of vehicles for transporting inmates to court appearances.
