Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has pardoned 96 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.
According to reports, the amnesty, granted under the Constitution of Nigeria, includes payment of fines and transportation allowances totaling over N20 million.
According to the governor, only inmates with minor offenses and those unable to pay fines, were selected for the amnesty program, adding that he refused to grant amnesty to those serving long terms for capital offences in order not to encourage the commission of such offences.
Mohammed then announced that each of the pardoned inmates will receive the sum of N100,000 to start a new business to sustain themselves and become good citizens.
He charged them not to see themselves as prisoners but to be free to reintegrate into society and to behave well henceforth.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy who doubles as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan U. EI-Yakub, SAN disclosed that the Advisory Council received a total of 106 applications from convicts seeking mercy, pardon, or clemency from the Executive Governor.
He stated that, after thorough scrutiny and consideration, 96 deserving inmates were selected and recommended for approval, adding that the governor swiftly endorsed the council’s recommendations, demonstrating his compassion and benevolence.
The breakdown of the inmates by location is as follows: 17 inmates are from Bauchi Correctional Centre, 7 inmates are from Alkaleri Correctional Centre, 10 inmates are from Azare Correctional Centre, 6 inmates are from Bogoro Correctional Centre, 8 inmates are from Ningi Correctional Centre, 8 inmates are from Burra Correctional Centre.
Othere are 3 inmates are from Misau Correctional Centre, 7 inmates are from Darazo Correctional Centre, 3 inmates are from Jama’are Correctional Centre, 9 inmates are from Tafawa Balewa Correctional Centre, 5 inmates are from Toro Correctional Centre, 4 inmates are from Gamawa Correctional Centre, 2 inmates are from Shira Correctional Centre, and 7 inmates are from Zaki Correctional Centre.