Musa Na, Allah Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Tuesday, pardoned more than 100 inmates at the Sokoto Central Correctional Centre in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, said the pardon was in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
He said 67 were released unconditionally, while 22 inmates on death row were commuted to life sentences.
According to him, 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms commuted to 25 years, while two other inmates had their sentences reduced by two years,” he said.
He charged the released inmates to be good ambassadors of the correctional center as they reintegrate into their communities and society.
“The number of awaiting trial inmates has dropped.
“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.
The governor however gave a cash donation of ₦50,000 to each of the 67 inmates who were released to help them start a new life as they reintegrate into their Communities.
The State Comptroller of Correctional Services, Lawal Gusau, applauded the governor’s gesture.
He stated that the initiative would bolster ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centers across the country.
