In commemoration of Democracy Day and his one year in office, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced the release of 110 convicts from the Kaduna Custodial Centre.

Speaking at a ceremony at the centre on Tuesday in Kaduna, Mr Sani said 22 convicts out of 110 were pardoned, while the remaining 88 were those with the option of a fine ranging from N10,000 and above.

“ This is in accordance with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to grant mercy to a citizen.

“Some of these convicts also had compensations to pay to their victims, ranging from N150,000 and above, with a few having both fines and compensation elements,’’ he said.

The governor further reiterated the need for the people to be law-abiding and urged them to desist from criminal activities.

However, he pledged his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and fairness in governance, adding that his government would focus on supporting the poor.

Mr Sani said, “In my one year in office, I have had the opportunity to pardon deserving inmates during the October 1, 2023 Independence Day and the January 1, 2024 New Year celebrations.

“Today, I am here in person to express my commitment to a reformatory system that fosters positive change.”

He also decried the increasing number of inmates awaiting or undergoing trial as worrisome, suggesting the need for more efficiency in the judicial process.

Mr Sani urged the freed convicts to reciprocate the gesture by becoming good citizens.

In his speech, Femi Falana (SAN) appealed to chief judges in the states to ensure that chief magistrates were visiting police stations monthly.

“This is crucial in preventing unnecessary arrests and the congestion of the custodial centres.

“Magistrates should grant bail, order the release of detainees or ensure that cases are taken to the Courts,’’ Mr Falana advised.

He also appealed to the state governments to invest in correctional facilities, commending Sani for releasing the convicts.

Earlier, Isa Mohammed, controller of the National Correctional Service, Kaduna State command, hailed Mr Sani for the gesture, adding that the release would reduce pressure on the overstretched facility.

He appealed to the state government to support the centre with operational vehicles to convey inmates to the courts.

” We need an 18-seater bus for transporting special class inmates and solar-powered solutions for the custodial centre,’’ he said.

Cyril Inawo, who spoke on behalf of the freed inmates, thanked the governor for his generosity and pledged that they would be good ambassadors in the society.

(NAN)