Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has pardoned 31 inmates from the Gusau Medium Custodial Centre, granting them clemency as part of efforts to decongest prisons and support their rehabilitation.
Governor Lawal, during his visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Gusau on Friday, invoked the powers granted under Section 212(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to pardon the inmates. The decision followed a thorough review of the prisoners’ records, which confirmed their genuine remorse.
In a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, it was disclosed that the governor also provided financial support of N50,000 to each pardoned inmate. This gesture is aimed at aiding their smooth reintegration into society and ensuring they have the means to start a new life.
Governor Lawal emphasized that the move was in line with his administration’s goal to ease the overcrowding in correctional facilities, especially given the ongoing arrests of suspected bandits and informants across the state.
“In exercising the constitutional power to grant mercy, I aim to relieve the psychological burden of imprisonment and help these individuals return as law-abiding citizens. Their release comes after careful scrutiny of their behavior and confirmation of their remorse,” the governor said.
During the visit, the governor also inspected the custodial facility and pledged to provide additional support to improve conditions at the Gusau Correctional Center.
Dr. Umar Galadima, the Comptroller of Corrections for Zamfara Command, commended Governor Lawal’s initiative, describing it as a significant step toward reforming the state’s justice system and promoting prisoner rehabilitation.
