Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Sokoto, pardoned 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Tuesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary. Among those pardoned, 67 inmates were released unconditionally, while 22 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
The pardon, which was enacted under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), also saw the reduction of life sentences for 22 inmates to 25 years, with two others having their sentences reduced by two years.
Representing the Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Binji, encouraged the released inmates to reintegrate positively into society, reminding them of the lessons learned during their time in the correctional system.
Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, Lawal Gusau, praised the governor’s initiative, noting its contribution to ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centres across the country.
