By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has pardoned 113 inmates at the Sokoto Correctional Center as part of his administration’s efforts to improve the social well-being of the people. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Malam Nasir Binji, who represented the governor.
The gesture was carried out under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
According to the governor, 67 inmates were released unconditionally, with each receiving a cash donation of ₦50,000 to help them start new lives. Additionally, 22 inmates who were on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while another 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years.
Governor Aliyu urged the released inmates to reintegrate into society as responsible citizens and contribute positively to government efforts aimed at improving social well-being. He emphasized that this action is in line with his administration’s nine-point agenda, which was a key promise during his campaign.