Sokoto Governor Grants Pardon to 113 Inmates

Sokoto Governor Grants Pardon to 113 Inmates

On Tuesday, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu pardoned 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

The governor, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, stated that the pardon was issued in accordance with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Among those pardoned, 67 inmates were released unconditionally, while 22 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. Additionally, 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years, and two inmates had their sentences shortened by two years.

Governor Aliyu urged the released inmates to become positive representatives of the correctional system as they reintegrate into society. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the attitudinal changes they learned during their time in custody, advising them to avoid returning to their previous lifestyles.

To assist them in starting anew, the governor announced a cash gift of ₦50,000 for each of the 67 released inmates.

Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, Lawal Gusau, praised the governor’s initiative, highlighting its potential to support ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities nationwide.