The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has pardoned 31 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Gusau, the state capital.
During a visit to the Gusau Medium Custodial Centre on Friday, the governor signed off on the release of the inmates, exercising his constitutional powers.
In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the decision followed a thorough review of the inmates’ records. “The Constitution allows governors to reduce sentences and pardon inmates,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal explained that the pardon was aimed at helping the inmates reintegrate as law-abiding citizens.
“Today, I am exercising the power granted by Section 212(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to show mercy to inmates, which aims to alleviate imprisonment’s hardships and psychological distress,” Lawal said.
He added that the review of the prisoners’ records showed genuine remorse. “Furthermore, I have approved a gift of N50,000 to each pardoned inmate to support their reintegration into society. This is an effort by my administration to reduce the overcrowding in correctional centers, especially as we are arresting suspected bandits and informants.”
After inspecting the facility, Governor Lawal pledged to provide additional support to the Gusau Correctional Center.
Earlier, Umar Galadima, the Zamfara Command Comptroller of Corrections, commended the governor for his visit and for granting mercy to the inmates.