Kehinde Fajobi
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, pardoned 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Tuesday to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
The governor, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, explained that the pardon aligns with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Out of the pardoned inmates, 67 were released unconditionally, while 22 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment,” Binji stated.
He added, “Additionally, 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years, and two inmates had their sentences reduced by two years.”
Governor Aliyu urged the released inmates to act as good ambassadors of the correctional system as they reintegrate into society.
“The attitudinal change you have learned here should remain a priority as you return home. Ensure your life is different from when you arrived, and do not allow yourselves to return to this place,” he advised.
To assist the released inmates in starting anew, the governor announced a cash donation of ₦50,000 to each of the 67 individuals granted freedom.
In support of the initiative, the Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, Lawal Gusau, commended the governor’s gesture, stating that it would aid ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centres across the country.