Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state has granted pardon to 110 prisoners and convicts to mark Democracy Day.
The governor announced this on Tuesday when he visited the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
He said he granted the pardon in the exercise of power of prerogative of mercy conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
Sani urged those who earned his sympathy not to go back to the bad ways that necessitated their incarceration.
He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, I am releasing a total number of 110 convicts today to mark the celebration of our one year in office and more importantly, to celebrate the 2024 June 12, Democracy Day.
“Out of this number, there are 22 convicts who will be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on me by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“The remaining 88 convicts consists of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from N10,000:00 and above, while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from N150,000:00 and above and in some cases, we have those with both fines and compensation elements”.
The governor said no society can exist without law and order and urged citizens to desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
He said his administration is anchored on justice and fairness and committed to bringing succour to the poor and vulnerable in Kaduna state.
“We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centres can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state, “the governor said.
He expressed concern over high rate of inmates who are either awaiting trials or trials are ongoing considering the capacity at the Kaduna Custodial Centre.
He noted that the initial capacity of the custodial centre was 500 but now upgraded to 1,100.
He said the custodial centre has been over-stretched with a total of 3,000 inmates.
“I urge all of you who are about to be released to reciprocate our gesture by being of good character henceforth.
“Try and acquire one or two skills. Our administration is eager and willing to assist you in acquiring skills. It is not too late to be useful to yourself, your family, and to society, “the governor advised those pardoned.
In his remarks during the occasion, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), thank the governor for inviting him to witness the occasion.
He recalled that to ensure that citizens are not subjected to illegal arrests and detention, the human rights community in Nigeria prevailed on the National Assembly to enact the administration of criminal Justice Act which has now been adopted by all state governments.
He called on the chief judge of Kaduna state to perform his statutory duty under that law by making sure that all chief magistrates in the state visit all police stations, at least once a month to prevent unnecessary arrests and congestion of prisons.
“Every chief magistrate in Nigeria is required to visit all police stations and during the visit the magistrate may order for the release of any body who should not be in custody or order that the person be charge to court.
“The chief judge is also required to designate judges to visit othe detention facilities in the state including military facilities, SSS detention centres, EFCC and the rest of them…He ”he said.