Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has granted clemency to 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
The pardon, announced on Tuesday, was carried out in accordance with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Speaking on behalf of the governor, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, explained that the gesture included unconditional release for 67 inmates.
Also, 22 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, while 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years. Two other inmates received sentence reductions by two years.
Governor Aliyu urged the freed inmates to use their second chance wisely and go back into society with a reformed mindset.
“The attitudinal change you have learned here should remain a priority as you return home,” he advised. “Ensure your life is different from when you arrived, and do not allow yourselves to return to this place.”
The governor also announced a ₦50,000 donation to each of the 67 released inmates to help them restart their lives.
Lawal Gusau, Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, expressed his appreciation to the governor, stating that the move would contribute to the ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities across Nigeria.
