Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has pardoned 31 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Gusau, the state capital.
The governor personally visited the Gusau Medium Custodial Centre on Friday, where he signed the release documents, exercising his constitutional powers. A statement from his spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the decision followed a thorough review of the inmates’ records to ensure their eligibility for pardon.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s Constitution grants governors the authority to reduce sentences or pardon inmates. Governor Lawal emphasized that the goal of the pardon is to encourage the inmates’ reintegration as law-abiding citizens.
“Today, in accordance with Section 212(1) of the 1999 Constitution, I have granted clemency to these individuals. This act of mercy is intended to ease the hardships of imprisonment and support their psychological recovery. A careful review of their records confirmed their genuine remorse,” the governor stated.
He also announced that each pardoned inmate would receive N50,000 to assist with their reintegration into society. Lawal explained that the initiative aims to decongest correctional facilities, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to arrest suspected bandits and their informants.
Following an inspection of the Gusau facility, Governor Lawal pledged to provide the necessary support to improve conditions at the center.
The Comptroller of Corrections for Zamfara State, Umar Galadima, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and commended his decision to grant clemency, describing it as a compassionate and transformative gesture.
