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Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Friday granted clemency to 97 inmates at the state Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day.
Speaking during the ceremony at the correctional facility, the governor said the gesture reflects his administration’s commitment to justice reform, second chances, and inclusive governance, noting that Democracy Day remains a moment to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and shared national values.
“Democracy Day provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who struggled for the restoration of democratic governance and to renew our commitment to the ideals of justice, freedom and national unity,” Sani said.
According to him, the inmates were released under the constitutional prerogative of mercy based on recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed eligible cases.
He said the exercise covered outright releases, sentence reductions, and payment of fines for selected beneficiaries.
Sani added that while justice must be upheld, society must also recognise the importance of rehabilitation and the possibility of positive change.
“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” Sani stated.
He urged the freed inmates to embrace lawful and productive lives, saying the opportunity should mark a turning point for them.
The governor also announced cash grants for the beneficiaries and offered admission into state-owned vocational training centres in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf to help them acquire practical skills.
He said the programme was designed to support self-reliance and reduce the risk of reoffending through structured reintegration.
Sani called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups to support the reintegration process, stressing that successful rehabilitation requires collective effort.
“Successful rehabilitation requires collective societal support. We must all play our part in ensuring that those who have served their time are allowed to rebuild their lives,” he said.
He also approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kaduna State, alongside medical supplies to improve healthcare services within the facility.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, described the initiative as a balance between justice and mercy, noting that it supports decongestion and rehabilitation within correctional centres.
In a separate message marking Democracy Day, the governor described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, referencing the annulled 1993 presidential election as a symbol of national unity and sacrifice.
He paid tribute to key figures of the pro-democracy struggle, including MKO Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola and Bola Tinubu.
He said their sacrifices remain a reminder that democracy must be continually defended and strengthened by successive generations.
“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” the governor said.
