TheCable

The Bauchi government has pardoned 96 prisoners and supported each with the sum of N100,000 for “proper reintegration into the society”.

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, in a post on X on Friday, said the prisoners were pardoned in line with the constitution of the country.

He said this was done after a careful investigation was conducted into their records.

In 2022, the governor had granted pardon to about 153 inmates, including a minor, and gifted them N50,000 each.

He said he has now increased the money from N50,000 to N100,000 to ameliorate the economic hardship and ease the psychological impact of detention.

“Today, I granted amnesty to 96 inmates, each convicted of various crimes, in an effort to encourage their transformation into law-abiding and self-reliant individuals,” he said.

“This act of mercy, permissible under section 212(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, aims to alleviate the hardships and psychological distress of imprisonment.

“My decision was influenced by a thorough examination of the prisoners’ records, which confirmed their genuine remorse.

“In addition to the pardon, I have increased the financial assistance provided to the released individuals from N50,000 to N100,000 to support their reintegration into society, and I have approved a sum of seven million naira for the payment of fines and other charges.

“I urge the judiciary to expedite the process of justice to mitigate the issue of prison overcrowding. Rest assured, I am fully committed to supporting our judges in their endeavours.

“I have received commendations from the Comptroller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) and the Bauchi state commissioner of police, among others, who join me in urging the pardoned individuals to live up to the expectations set before them.”