By Sabiu Abdullahi
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 27 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The latest intervention brings the number of inmates who have benefited from clemency initiatives under Sani’s administration to more than 500 since he assumed office in 2023.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the intervention involved the release of eligible inmates as well as the payment of fines and compensation for victims. The Kaduna State Government has committed more than N300m to fines and compensation since 2023.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, said the latest exercise was part of the governor’s practice of extending clemency to deserving inmates during major national occasions.
Kanyip said similar exercises had been carried out during New Year, Democracy Day and previous Independence Day celebrations.
He explained that the prerogative of mercy was exercised through established legal processes, with consideration given to accountability, rehabilitation and the responsibilities attached to freedom.
“The beneficiaries are expected to return to society with a renewed sense of responsibility and appreciation of their obligations to others,” Kanyip said.
He said the government’s intervention also addressed financial barriers that could prevent eligible inmates from regaining their freedom.
According to him, the payment of fines and compensation added a restorative justice component to the clemency exercise by recognising the interests of victims while supporting the reintegration of deserving inmates.
“Public safety, human dignity, rehabilitation, and the possibility of redemption should form part of the administration of justice,” he added.
The state government said the clemency initiative would also give beneficiaries an opportunity to reconnect with their families and communities and rebuild their lives.
It reaffirmed its commitment to rehabilitation, reconciliation and the reintegration of deserving inmates while maintaining a justice system that protects society and recognises the interests of victims.
