Kaduna Governor Empowers 97 Released Prisoners with N9.7 Million

The Kaduna State Government has commenced the distribution of N100,000 to each of the 97 former inmates who recently received clemency from Governor Uba Sani. This financial support is a strategic move to facilitate their successful reintegration into society and mitigate the risk of them returning to criminal activities.

The disbursement exercise took place on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre. This marks the culmination of the Governor’s pledge to assist these beneficiaries, who were initially released on June 12 to commemorate 2026 Democracy Day. Their freedom was granted through the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, with the state government also covering the fines of some individuals to ensure their release.

Dalhatu Ibrahim, the officer in charge of the correctional facility, lauded the state’s intervention, describing it as a significant boost to correctional rehabilitation efforts. He emphasized that the assistance would greatly aid the ex-inmates in re-establishing themselves within the community. Ibrahim stated, “By paying the fine of the inmates and giving them financial assistance, this will encourage them to go and do what they are supposed to do. They are now set to be reintegrated into the society.”

He further commended Governor Sani's compassionate initiative, noting its direct alignment with the fundamental objectives of the correctional system. Ibrahim added, “The governor’s gesture will help us in achieving the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-inmates.”

However, Ibrahim also urged the beneficiaries to judiciously utilize the funds, advising them to invest in small businesses as a means to rebuild their lives. “We advise them to use the money as working capital to start a business or begin life afresh,” he counselled.

Speaking during the disbursement, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, confirmed that the payments represented the final stage of the clemency programme. He reiterated Governor Sani’s stern warning against reverting to crime, imploring all beneficiaries to uphold their status as law-abiding citizens.

Among the grateful recipients, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State expressed profound appreciation to the governor, viewing the gesture as a fresh start. Solomon remarked, “We very much appreciate what he has done for us. We thank him for giving us the money because some of us will use it as capital to start a business.” Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, speaking in Hausa, also praised the intervention, describing it as a renewed source of hope for the former inmates.