As part of the activities lined up for the celebration of June 12 Democracy Day in 2024, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has secured the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre.
Governor Sani, who visited the Kaduna Custodial Centre alongside renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the move was part of his government’s efforts to decongest the prisons and give deserving inmates a second chance.
He said out of the number, there were 22 convicts who would be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to him, the remaining 88 convicts consists of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from ten thousand naira above while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from one hundred and fifty thousand and above.
The Governor maintained that, in some cases, some of the convict have both fines and compensation elements.
Uba Sani was disturbed by the high number of inmates either awaiting trial or whose trials have begun but are still ongoing, among others, and also those who have been convicted with a fine or option of a fine also contribute to the total number.
“This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centers have been over-stretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates”
“I came to this Custodial Center today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day; a day set aside to pay tribute to those who made sacrifices so that we can live in freedom. I am also here to see our brothers and sisters who found themselves on the wrong side of the law”
He stressed that, no society can exist and endure without law and order, revealing that, Citizens must at all times desist from criminal activities and obey constituted authorities.
“Our administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness. We are committed to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We have zero tolerance for discrimination. We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state”
Malam Uba Sani urge the release inmates to reciprocate his gesture to be good character henceforth, henced the need for them to acquire one or two skills.
“Our administration is eager and willing to assist you in acquiring skills. It is not too late to be useful to yourself, your family and to society”
Malam Uba Sani appreciated the officers and men of the Correctional Service, especially those of Kaduna Command for their efforts in ensuring an atmosphere of peace and calm in the custodial centres.
Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, urged Governor Sani to mandate all Chief Magistrates in the state to visit police detention facilities at least once a month, stating that it is the best way to prevent unnecessary arrests and prison congestion.
While nothing that, Correctional Service has been removed from the exclusive list to concurrent list, Mr Falana urged Governors to invest in the upgrade of facilities in the correctional centres across the country.
He commended Governor Uba Sani for his gesture by granting pardon to 22 convicted inmates and securing release of 88 awaiting trial inmates, he further advised the released inmates to stay away from crimes capable of bringing them back to the prison.
Earlier, the Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, Isah Mohammed Nuru said the Custodial Centre in Kaduna and its environ are facing challenges ranging from high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates, Operational Vehicles to convey inmates to courts, as those in use are inadequate.
“We also have the need for 18-seater bus which can be used in carrying special class of inmates to Courts. Sir, there are also some basic needs that will help in smooth running of the Centre such as: Solar light which will assists in lighting the Centre in the night when light goes off. We also need Solar Bore Hole to assist in Shortage of water in the Centre,”
COV/AMINU DALHATU
