Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani on Friday granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, compassion, rehabilitation and inclusive governance.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the correctional facility, the governor described Democracy Day as a significant occasion for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices made by heroes of the pro-democracy struggle and renew their commitment to building a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
Governor Sani noted that June 12 remains a defining chapter in Nigeria’s political history, recalling how the 1993 presidential election demonstrated the ability of Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and regional differences in pursuit of a common national destiny.
Drawing from his experience as a participant in the pro-democracy movement, the governor paid tribute to the late Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other patriots whose sacrifices paved the way for the democratic freedoms enjoyed by Nigerians today.
According to him, the release of the inmates was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy after recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
He explained that the beneficiaries were selected following a review of eligible cases, with some granted outright release, others receiving commuted sentences, while fines were paid on behalf of some inmates.
The governor described the exercise as a demonstration of the transformative power of redemption and second chances, urging the beneficiaries to embrace lawful conduct and become responsible members of society.
To facilitate their reintegration, he announced cash grants for all the released inmates and offered admission opportunities into the Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf.
He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of rehabilitation, empowerment and human capital development, stressing that correctional reforms must go beyond punishment to include opportunities for personal transformation and economic self-reliance.
Governor Sani also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and residents to support the reintegration process, noting that successful rehabilitation requires collective societal effort.
In addition, he approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, as well as medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare delivery within the correctional facility.
Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, commended the governor for what he described as a compassionate and reform-driven intervention.
He noted that the Prerogative of Mercy remains an important tool for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional centres.
The Democracy Day clemency exercise, he added, reflects the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to criminal justice reform, social inclusion and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
