Gov Sani Frees 110 Inmates From Kaduna Correctional Centre

• Governor Uba Sani released 110 inmates from Kaduna Correctional Centre on June 12 Democracy Day to decongest prisons and offer second chances
• Femi Falana urged Sani to direct chief magistrates to visit police detention facilities monthly to reduce unnecessary arrests and prison congestion.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has released 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre to celebrate Democracy Day, June 12, 2024.

Accompanied by Femi Falana, renowned rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Governor Sani emphasized that this initiative aims to decongest prisons and offer a second chance to deserving inmates.

Of the 110 inmates released, 22 were granted pardons under the prerogative of mercy powers vested in the governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). The remaining 88 inmates included those convicted with an option of a fine ranging from N10,000 and above, and others required to pay compensation to their victims ranging from N150,000 and above.

Governor Sani expressed concern over the many inmates awaiting or currently undergoing trial. He noted, “This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but has been upgraded to 1,100. Despite this, the centres are over-stretched, now housing 3,000 inmates.”

Reflecting on the day’s significance, Sani said, “I came to this custodial centre today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day, a day to honour those who made sacrifices for our freedom. I am also here to meet our brothers and sisters who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.”

He advised the released inmates to maintain good character and avoid actions that could lead them back to prison.

In his remarks, Falana urged Governor Sani to instruct all chief magistrates in the state to visit police detention facilities at least once a month to prevent unnecessary arrests and reduce prison congestion. He praised Sani for granting pardon to 22 convicted inmates and securing the release of 88 awaiting trial inmates. Falana also advised the released inmates to steer clear of activities that could result in their re-incarceration.

Earlier, Isah Mohammed Nuru, the Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, highlighted the challenges faced by the custodial centre, including the high number of inmates awaiting trial and inadequate operational vehicles for transporting inmates to court.