June 12: Nigerian Gov pardons 66 inmates, donates food to prisoners

As part of the Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has granted state pardon to 66 convicted inmates at the Maiduguri Minimum Security Prison.

The gesture was accompanied by the donation of food items, livestock, and cash support for the remaining inmates.

Governor Zulum made the announcement during a visit to the correctional facility on Thursday, where he addressed the inmates and staff. He explained that the pardon was granted based on the recommendations of a special committee set up to review the welfare and rehabilitation prospects of inmates across the state.

“In exercise of my powers under the Constitution, I hereby grant a state pardon to 66 inmates,” the Governor said, adding that some sentences, especially those serving life terms, would be reviewed and reduced.

As part of the immediate humanitarian support, the Governor donated 300 bags of rice, cows, and ₦20,000 cash to each of the 1,280 inmates in the facility.

Governor Zulum urged the inmates to remain law-abiding and reflect on the actions that led to their incarceration.

“You must not return to the same mistakes. This is a chance to start anew,” he said.

He also assured them that the ongoing construction of a mosque within the prison premises would be completed within the next month.

He promised to establish an enterprise skills acquisition centre and vocational training facilities in Maiduguri Maximum Prison to help the rehabilitated prisoners become self-reliant and fully reintegrated into society.

The Governor encouraged the inmates to remain prayerful and make positive use of their time behind bars, pledging continuous support to the correctional system.

This intervention reflects part of the Governor’s broader commemoration of Democracy Day.

Zulum also commissioned many projects executed by his government within the last year, including roads, housing estates, health centres, skill acquisition centres, mega schools, etc.