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.

Mr Sani, speaking during a ceremony at the correctional centre, said the gesture was an exercise of the constitutional prerogative of mercy and reflected the values of justice, compassion, freedom and democratic governance associated with the June 12 struggle.

He said Democracy Day provided an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule and to recommit to building a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

According to the governor, June 12 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, as the 1993 presidential election demonstrated Nigerians’ capacity to rise above ethnic, religious, and regional differences in pursuit of a common national destiny.

Mr Sani, a participant in the pro-democracy movement, paid tribute to the late MKO Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola, Ahmed Tinubu and other democracy advocates whose sacrifices contributed to the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he said.

The governor explained that the beneficiaries were selected following recommendations by the Kaduna State advisory council on the prerogative of mercy after a review of 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 transformative power of redemption and second chances, Mr Sani urged the beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives after their release.

To facilitate their reintegration into society, the governor announced cash grants for all 97 beneficiaries and offered them admission to Kaduna State skills acquisition and vocational institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun, and Samaru Kataf.

He said the measure was in line with his administration’s commitment to rehabilitation, empowerment and inclusive development.

“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” he said.

Mr Sani also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and residents to support the reintegration of the released inmates, noting that successful rehabilitation required collective societal support.

As part of efforts to strengthen correctional reforms, the governor approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State command.

He also donated medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare services at the correctional centre.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, described the clemency exercise as another demonstration of the governor’s compassionate and reform-oriented leadership.

Mr Kanyip said the prerogative of mercy remained an important instrument for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.

He added that the Democracy Day clemency exercise underscored the Kaduna State government’s commitment to criminal justice reform, social inclusion and the delivery of democratic dividends through policies aimed at restoring hope and expanding opportunities for citizens.

(NAN)