From BEN AUTA, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The governor also announced cash grants for the beneficiaries and offered them opportunities to enrol in state-owned vocational training institutes to aid their reintegration into society.
Speaking during a ceremony at the correctional centre on Friday, Sani said the gesture was aimed at giving the beneficiaries a second chance while promoting rehabilitation and social inclusion.
He explained that the release was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The exercise included outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for eligible inmates.
“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” the governor said.
To support their transition back into society, Sani announced cash assistance for all 97 beneficiaries and offered admission into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf.
He urged the beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives and appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups to support their reintegration.
According to him, successful rehabilitation requires collective effort and acceptance from society.
Sani also approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, and provided medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare services at the correctional centre.
The governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform, rehabilitation and the expansion of opportunities for vulnerable members of society.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the exercise as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to balancing justice with mercy while promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.