Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has ordered the release of 110 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the state, as part of activities to mark this year’s Democracy Day and celebrate his one year in office.
The governor who personally visited the Kaduna State Correctional Centre in the company of human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) made a case for the rehabilitation of correctional centres in Kaduna,
He noted that his decision to release the 110 inmate was in line with the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our administration is concerned about overcrowding in correctional facilities and the fact that many citizens are languishing in such facilities due to their social and economic conditions.
“There are many of our citizens who are in such centers due to their inability to pay small fines. Some were also convicted because they could not afford a lawyer. We live in a society where the underprivileged do not have the financial wherewithal to vigorously pursue the course of justice,” he said.
While releasing the inmates, the governor them to reciprocate his administration’s gesture by being of good character henceforth.
“I encouraged them to acquire one or two skills. Our administration is eager and willing to assist them in acquiring skills. It is not too late for them to be useful to themselves, their families, and to the society,” he added..
Governor Uba Sani also directed the installation of solar powered streetlights and provision of operational vehicles for the Kaduna Custodial Centre.
On his part, Falana commended Governor Sani for granting pardon to the inmates.
He appealed to state chief judges to order a periodic inspection of police stations in their states in a bid to check illegal detention and called on state governors to prioritise the rehabilitation of correctional centres in their respective states.
The Kaduna Correctional Centre was built in 1915 with a capacity to accommodate a total number of 500 inmates.
Currently, the centre has over 3,000 inmates, with those awaiting trial topping the number, Channels Television reported
