Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, has granted clemency to 6,273 inmates serving various custodial sentences across correctional centres in the state.
Speaking during the ceremony on Wednesday in Bauchi, the governor described the decision as a deliberate act of mercy, justice and restoration in the spirit of Ramadan.
He said the sacred month of Ramadan represents reflection, compassion, forgiveness and renewed commitment to faith and humanity.
Mohammed said that the gesture was not symbolic but the outcome of a rigorous, transparent and evidence-based review process undertaken by the Bauchi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He stressed that the clemency was not an endorsement of wrongdoing but an affirmation of transformation, improved conduct and genuine remorse, as well as consideration for age and the broader interest of society.
“We are not merely opening prison gates; we are opening doors of opportunity. We are choosing restoration over perpetual condemnation,” he said.
According to him, to support reintegration, the state government will provide ₦100,000 to each beneficiary to enable them to start lawful ventures and resume family responsibilities.
He urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them and become positive examples within their communities, adding that the gesture through invoking his powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),
The governor formally ordered the unconditional pardon and release of nine inmates from Azare Custodial Centre, 23 from other custodial centres, 10 from Gwandan Nado, eight from Jama’are and eight from Bauchi Medium Custodial Centre.
In his remarks, Mr Monday Tebu, Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Bauchi Command, commended the governor for his support.
He urged the public to assist the former inmates in rebuilding their lives and contributing meaningfully to society.
