NIGERIA: Democracy Day: Uba Sani Frees 97 Kaduna Inmates

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Friday granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, offering cash grants and vocational training opportunities to support their reintegration into society.

The governor said the release was in exercise of the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases. The exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for affected inmates.

Speaking at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, Sani said Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democratic rule and the need to uphold the values of justice, compassion and national unity.

As a participant in the pro-democracy movement, the governor paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Tinubu and other patriots whose efforts helped restore democratic governance in Nigeria.

“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he said.

Sani described the clemency as a demonstration of the transformative power of redemption and second chances, urging the beneficiaries to become law-abiding and productive citizens.

 “While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” the governor stated.

To aid their return to society, he announced cash grants for all 97 beneficiaries and offered admission into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf for those willing to acquire or upgrade vocational skills. He also donated a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, alongside medical equipment and consumables for the correctional centre.

Earlier, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, said the exercise reflected Governor Sani’s compassionate and reform-oriented leadership, noting that the Prerogative of Mercy remains a vital instrument for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.