31 inmates in Zamfara are in a better place now and happier after they got pardons and were released from prison courtesy of the state governor, Dauda Lawal.
This comes after Governor Lawal visited the Gusau Medium Custodial Centre on Friday and signed to pardon the inmates in accordance with Nigeria’s constitution.
A statement signed by Governor Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the Zamfara Number One citizen noted that the decision was made after a careful investigation of the records of the inmates.
For the governor, pardoning the inmates “is an effort by my administration to reduce the overcrowding in correctional centers, especially at this time when we are making arrests of suspected bandits and informants.”
According to Governor Lawal, “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.
“Furthermore, I have approved a gift of N50,000 to each pardoned inmate to support their reintegration into society.”
Governor Lawal also promised to provide all necessary assistance for the Gusau Correctional Center.
Earlier, Dr. Umar Galadima, the Comptroller of Corrections, Zamfara Command, praised Governor Lawal for his visit and decision to grant mercy to inmates.
