In celebration of this year’s Democracy Day, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release and partial pardon of 66 inmates from the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.
During a visit to the facility on Thursday, Governor Zulum disclosed that the decision to grant clemency was made following the recommendations of the state’s Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He also announced a review of some inmates’ sentences, including commuting death penalties to life imprisonment and reducing jail terms for others.
“Acting in line with Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution and based on the committee’s advice, I am authorising the release and leniency for 66 inmates as part of our Democracy Day celebration,” he stated.
The governor further revealed plans to expand rehabilitation efforts within the centre by enhancing its vocational training programme.
This initiative will focus on equipping inmates with literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to support their reintegration into society.
Zulum directed the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with correctional officials to upgrade training facilities within the prison.
In addition to the pardons, Governor Zulum donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five cows to improve food supply at the centre.
Each inmate also received ₦20,000, which will be managed in accordance with correctional guidelines.
“To be clear, the ₦20,000 cash will be held by officials of the custodial centre, as required by law, but the inmates will be able to access it when necessary,” he explained.
The governor urged the inmates to maintain discipline and refrain from actions that could disrupt societal peace.
The Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, praised Governor Zulum’s efforts, describing them as unprecedented in the history of the facility.
He recalled that similar support was extended to the centre just last month.
“This administration has shown us exceptional support. In May alone, we received food items and livestock from the governor, and today he is here again with even more. We are truly grateful,” Bawa said.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Daniel Simon, known as the Sarki (leader) of the inmates, expressed deep gratitude to the governor, saying the inmates feel seen and appreciated despite their circumstances.
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