Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, oversaw the liberation of 110 detainees from the Kaduna Correctional Centre in commemoration of the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day.
Alongside esteemed rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, Governor Sani visited the Kaduna Custodial Centre, articulating that this initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to reducing prison overcrowding and offering deserving inmates an opportunity for redemption.
He mentioned that among them, 22 convicts will receive pardons under the prerogative of mercy powers granted by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He further explained that the remaining 88 convicts include individuals who were sentenced with fines starting from N10,000 and above, and others who have compensation obligations to their victims, ranging from N150,000 and beyond.
He voiced apprehension about the significant number of inmates either awaiting trial or already undergoing trials. The governor emphasized the alarming situation, especially in light of the capacity of the custodial centers in Kaduna State.
Initially designed for 500 inmates, the facilities have been expanded to accommodate up to 1,100 individuals. However, with a current total of 3,000 inmates, the custodial centers are severely overstretched.
He expressed his emotions as he visited the custodial center, acknowledging the significance of Nigerians celebrating Democracy Day. This day honors those who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom, juxtaposed with seeing fellow citizens who have veered off the right path. The governor urged the released inmates to commit to good conduct moving forward.
In his remarks, Falana encouraged Governor Sani to require all chief magistrates in the state to visit police detention facilities monthly, emphasizing that such visits would help prevent unnecessary arrests and alleviate prison overcrowding.
He commended Sani for pardoning 22 convicted inmates and facilitating the release of 88 awaiting-trial detainees. Falana also advised the released individuals to steer clear of activities that could lead them back to incarceration.
The Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, Isah Mohammed Nuru, previously outlined challenges faced by the custodial center and its surroundings, including a high number of awaiting-trial inmates and a lack of adequate operational vehicles for transporting inmates to court.
