Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has granted clemency to 22 inmates, according to a statement released by Musbahu Kofar-Nassarawa, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NIS) in Kano State on Tuesday.
Twelve of the inmates who had been on death row for 25 years were pardoned, while the death sentences of six others were commuted to life imprisonment. Additionally, four female inmates who had demonstrated good behaviour and industriousness were pardoned based on the recommendation of the correctional authority.
The statement further revealed that the Governor had given each of the released inmates N5,000 as transportation fare to assist them in reuniting with their families.
Mr Abdullahi Garba-Rano, the Chairman of the state Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, praised Ganduje for utilizing the powers conferred on him by the constitution to release the inmates. Similarly, Mr Sulaiman Mohammad-Inuwa, the NIS Controller in the state, commended Ganduje for helping to decongest the custodial centres.
Mr Mohammad-Inuwa also cautioned the released inmates to steer clear of any wrongdoing that could result in their return to prison.
With this act of mercy, Governor Ganduje has demonstrated his commitment to reforming the justice system and providing second chances for offenders who have demonstrated the potential for rehabilitation.
