Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved clemency for 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day, alongside rehabilitation support measures aimed at reintegration and social stability.
The decision was announced during a visit to the correctional facility on Friday, where the governor outlined a mix of pardons, sentence reductions, and financial interventions for selected beneficiaries.
Authorities said the move reflects a broader justice reform approach anchored on rehabilitation and second chances.
Moreover, the state government confirmed that the freed and pardoned inmates will receive cash support as well as access to vocational training programmes designed to improve employability and reduce the risk of reoffending.
Sani described the national Democracy Day observance as a reminder of Nigeria’s long struggle for democratic governance and civic freedom.
According to him, the occasion is not only symbolic but also a call for continued national unity and institutional reform.
“Democracy Day reminds us of the sacrifices made to restore civilian rule and the responsibility we all carry to protect justice, liberty, and national cohesion,” he said.
He further stressed that the clemency exercise was carried out under constitutional provisions through the Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council after a review of eligible cases.
According to him, the initiative is designed to balance accountability with compassion. “Justice must remain firm, however, society must also recognise the power of reform and the possibility of a new beginning for those who have changed,” he added.
To strengthen rehabilitation efforts, the government announced that beneficiaries will be enrolled in skills acquisition centres located in Soba, Rigachikun, and Samaru-Kataf, where they will be trained in various vocational trades to support economic independence.
In addition, the administration disclosed the provision of financial assistance to help the beneficiaries restart their lives, while urging communities, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to support their reintegration process.
“The success of reintegration depends on all of us working together to ensure that those who have served their sentences are given a fair opportunity to rebuild their future,” Sani noted.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir James Kanyip, commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of leadership that blends justice with mercy while easing pressure on correctional facilities.
Kanyip explained that the Prerogative of Mercy remains a critical constitutional tool for decongesting prisons and promoting restorative justice across the state.
In a separate Democracy Day message, Sani described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, recalling the annulled 1993 presidential election as a symbol of national unity and civic resilience.
He paid tribute to key figures of the pro-democracy struggle, including MKO Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Kudirat Abiola, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that their contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The courage of these figures reminds us that democracy demands sacrifice, vigilance, and commitment from every generation,” he said.
June 12 is observed nationwide as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in commemoration of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as one of the country’s most credible polls, ultimately annulled by the military authorities.