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As part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 2024 June 12, Democracy Day, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has on Wednesday secured the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
The governor as well as Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, visited the Correctional Centre on Tuesday.
Sani revealed that the gesture was part of government effort to commemorate June 12 as well as to decongest the prisons and give second chance to deserving inmates.
He said out of the number, 22 convicts would be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The remaining 88 convicts consists of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from ten thousand naira above while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from one hundred and fifty thousand and above.
He said in some cases, some of the convict have both fines and compensation elements, adding that they were concerned on 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 make 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.
“I came to this Custodial Center today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day; a day set aside to pay tribute to those who made sacrifices so that we can live in freedom. I am also here to see our brothers and sisters who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.”
He said no society can exist and endure without law and order, revealing that, Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
