The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of efforts to decongest custodial facilities and mark the 2026 Democracy Day.
The exercise, carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy on the recommendation of the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, followed a detailed review of eligible cases. It included outright release, sentence reduction, and the payment of fines for selected inmates.
Speaking on Friday at the correctional facility during the ceremony, Governor Sani described the gesture as both symbolic and practical, aligning with his administration’s commitment to justice reform, humane correctional administration, and prison decongestion across the state.
He also announced that the beneficiaries would receive cash grants and be enrolled in state-owned vocational training institutes to equip them with practical skills for reintegration and to reduce the risk of reoffending.
The governor said the selection process was rigorous and guided by constitutional provisions, with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy carefully assessing each case before recommending clemency.
He added that Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance, as well as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to justice, fairness, freedom, and national unity.
While stressing the importance of upholding justice and the rule of law, Governor Sani said rehabilitation and reintegration remain central to a functional criminal justice system.
According to him, providing second chances to reformed offenders is essential to building a more inclusive and stable society.
Sani urged the released inmates to make good use of the opportunity, embrace lawful means of livelihood, and avoid actions that could return them to the correctional system.