Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has secured the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre to mark the celebration of the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day.
The governor, who visited the Kaduna Custodial Centre alongside famous Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the move was part of efforts by his government to decongest the prisons and give a second chance to deserving inmates.
Sani explained that out of the 112, there were 22 convicts who were released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said the remaining 88 convicts consist of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from N10,000 above while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from N150,000 and above.
The governor expressed concern over the high rate of inmates either awaiting trial or those whose trial have begun but still on-going among others, while those who have been convicted with fine or option of fine also makes the number.
“This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centers have been over-stretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates,” he noted
The governor urges the released inmates to reciprocate his gesture by being of good character henceforth, and reiterated the need for them to acquire one or two skills.
Falana, in a remark, urged the governor to mandate all Chief Magistrates in the State to visit police detention facilities at least once in a month, saying that, that is the best way to prevent unnecessary arrest and congestion of the prison.
He commended Governor Sani for his gesture and advised the released inmates to stay away from crimes capable of bringing them back to the prison.
Earlier, the Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, Isah Mohammed Nuru said the Custodial Centre in Kaduna and its environ are facing challenges including high number of awaiting trial inmates and operational Vehicles to convey inmates to courts, as those in use are inadequate, among others.
