Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu granted clemency to at least 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Tuesday to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, stated that the pardons were issued in accordance 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.
“Additionally, 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years, and two inmates had their sentences reduced by two years,” he said.
The governor urged the freed inmates to act as positive representatives of the correctional system as they transition back 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.
He additionally declared a monetary contribution of ₦50,000 for each of the 67 inmates who were freed, assisting them in rebuilding their lives.
In his speech, Lawal Gusau, the Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, praised the governor’s initiative.
Gusau noted that this initiative would enhance current efforts to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities nationwide.
