Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Tuesday granted pardon to 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Speaking through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Nasiru Binji, Aliyu said the pardon was in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Out of the pardoned inmates, 67 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 reduced by two years,” he said.
Aliyu urged the released inmates to be good ambassadors of the correctional system as they reintegrate into society.
“The attitudinal change you have learned here should remain a priority as you return home.
“Ensure your life is different from when you arrived, and do not allow yourselves to return to this place,” he advised.
He also announced a donation of ₦50,000 to each of the 67 inmates who were released, to help them start life afresh.
In his remarks, Mr. Lawal Gusau, the Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, expressed gratitude to the governor for his gesture.
Gusau stated that the initiative would bolster ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centers across the country.
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