Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has facilitated the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre to mark June 12 Democracy Day.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move aims to decongest the prisons and offer a second chance to deserving inmates.
Governor Sani, accompanied by renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, emphasized that the release of inmates is part of broader efforts to address prison overcrowding.
He stated that of the 110 released inmates, 22 were pardoned under the prerogative of mercy powers granted by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The remaining 88 inmates had been convicted with options of fine or required to pay compensation to their victims.
Governor Sani expressed deep concern over the high number of inmates either awaiting trial or those whose trials had started.
“This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State,” he said.
“The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centres have been overstretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates.”
The governor noted the mixed emotions accompanying his visit. While celebrating Democracy Day, a day dedicated to honouring those who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom, he also reflected on the plight of individuals who have fallen afoul of the law.
He advised the released inmates to adopt good character henceforth, urging them to integrate positively into society.
Femi Falana commended Governor Sani for his significant gesture. He urged the governor to instruct all chief magistrates in the state to visit police detention facilities at least once a month.
This regular oversight, he suggested, would prevent unnecessary arrests and further prison congestion.
Falana also advised the released inmates to avoid activities that could lead them back to prison.
Earlier, Isah Mohammed Nuru, the Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, highlighted the challenges faced by the custodial centres.
These include the high number of inmates awaiting trial and inadequate operational vehicles to transport inmates to court hearings.
The release of these 110 inmates marks a pivotal step in addressing the systemic issues within the Kaduna Correctional Centre and underscores the government’s commitment to upholding justice and human rights.
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