Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Friday granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The governor also announced cash grants and vocational training opportunities for the beneficiaries, saying the gesture was aimed at supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Speaking during a ceremony at the correctional facility, Sani said Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, freedom and national unity.
In a Democracy Day message, the governor described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, noting that the 1993 presidential election demonstrated the ability of Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and regional differences in pursuit of a common national goal.
A participant in the pro-democracy struggle, Sani paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other patriots who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.
According to him, their sacrifices remain a reminder that democracy must be continuously protected and strengthened by successive generations.
The governor explained that the release of the inmates was in exercise of his constitutional powers under the Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.
He said the exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for affected inmates.
Describing the initiative as a demonstration of the importance of redemption and second chances, Sani urged the beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives after their release.
To facilitate their reintegration, he approved cash grants for all 97 beneficiaries and offered admission into the Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru Kataf for those willing to acquire vocational skills.
He also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and residents to support the reintegration process, stressing that successful rehabilitation requires collective effort.
In addition, the governor donated a utility bus to the Kaduna State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service as well as medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare services at the correctional centre.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the clemency exercise as another demonstration of Governor Sani’s compassionate and reform-oriented leadership, noting that the Prerogative of Mercy remains an important tool for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
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