Kaduna Governor Releases 97 Prisoners To Mark June 12 Democracy Day
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has granted clemency to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
This was just as 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 on Friday during the ceremony at the correctional facility, Sani described Democracy Day as a time to reflect on the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule and to recommit to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
He said, “Democracy Day provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who struggled for the restoration of democratic governance and to renew our commitment to the ideals of justice, freedom and national unity.”
The governor explained that the release of the inmates was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.
According to him, the exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for selected inmates.
“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” Sani stated.
He urged the freed inmates to take advantage of the opportunity and embrace lawful and productive lives.
To facilitate their rehabilitation, the governor announced cash grants for all the beneficiaries and offered admission opportunities into the Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf.
He noted that the initiative was designed to equip the former inmates with practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute positively to society.
Sani also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and residents to support the reintegration of the beneficiaries.
“Successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support. We must all play our part in ensuring that those who have served their time are allowed to rebuild their lives,” he said.
As part of measures aimed at strengthening correctional services in the state, the governor approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, as well as medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare delivery within the correctional centre.