Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Grants Pardon to 31 Inmates in Gusau Correctional Facility

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has granted clemency to 31 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Gusau, the state capital. On Friday, the governor visited the Gusau Medium Custodial Centre, where he signed documents to pardon the inmates in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution.

A statement from the governor’s spokesman, Sulaiman Bala Idris, indicated that this decision followed a thorough review of the inmates’ records.

The statement further explained that the constitution empowers governors to reduce sentences and grant pardons to inmates.

During the event, Governor Lawal emphasized that the inmates, convicted of various offenses, were pardoned to promote their transformation into law-abiding citizens.

“Today, I am exercising the power granted by Section 212(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to show mercy to inmates, aiming to alleviate the hardships and psychological distress associated with imprisonment,” he stated.

He noted that the decision was made after a careful examination of the prisoners’ records, which confirmed their genuine remorse.

Additionally, Governor Lawal announced a grant of N50,000 for each pardoned inmate to aid their reintegration into society.

“This initiative is part of my administration’s efforts to reduce overcrowding in correctional centers, especially as we continue to arrest suspected bandits and their informants,” he explained.

After touring the facility, Governor Lawal assured that his administration would provide all necessary support for the Gusau Correctional Centre.

Umar Galadima, the Comptroller of Corrections for Zamfara Command, commended Governor Lawal for his visit and his decision to grant mercy to the inmates.