Kaduna gov frees 97 inmates, offers training

A total of 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre have been granted freedom by the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.

The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation and inclusive governance, granted clemency to the inmates on Friday as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

He also announced cash grants for the ex-convicts and offered them opportunities to enrol in state-owned vocational training institutes to aid their reintegration into society.

Speaking during the ceremony at the correctional facility, Sani explained that the release of the inmates was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.

According to him, the exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for selected inmates.

“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” Sani stated.

He urged the freed inmates to take advantage of the opportunity and embrace lawful and productive lives.

To facilitate their rehabilitation, the governor announced cash grants for all the beneficiaries and offered admission opportunities into the Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf.

He noted that the initiative was designed to equip the former inmates with practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute positively to society.

Sani also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and residents to support the reintegration of the beneficiaries.

“Successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support. We must all play our part in ensuring that those who have served their time are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” he said.

Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, described the clemency exercise as another demonstration of the governor’s compassionate and reform-driven leadership.

Kanyip said the Prerogative of Mercy remained an important constitutional instrument for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and helping to decongest correctional facilities.

In a separate Democracy Day message to residents, Sani described June 12 as a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that the annulled 1993 presidential election demonstrated the ability of Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and regional differences in pursuit of a shared national vision.

The governor, who participated in the pro-democracy struggle, paid tribute to key figures of the movement, including Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” the governor said.