Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has pardoned more than 100 inmates at the Sokoto Central Correctional Centre in honor of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. The Governor, represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Nasiru Binji, stated that the pardon aligns with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
During the announcement, it was revealed that 67 inmates were released unconditionally, while 22 inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. Additionally, 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years, and two other inmates received a two-year sentence reduction.
Governor Aliyu urged the released inmates to serve as good ambassadors of the correctional facility as they reintegrate into their communities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the positive changes they experienced during their incarceration and advised them to avoid returning to a life of crime.
To support the reintegration process, the Governor provided a cash donation of ₦50,000 to each of the 67 released inmates to help them start anew. Lawal Gusau, the Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, praised the Governor’s compassionate gesture.