Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state and conditional pardons to 66 inmates serving various sentences at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.
The gesture, which also included the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment and reduction of jail terms for several others, was announced on Thursday during the governor’s visit to the facility as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
Zulum said the decision was based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, in accordance with Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
“Based on the powers conferred on me and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates. I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the sentences of others,” Zulum declared.
The governor also announced plans to strengthen vocational training within the custodial centre, directing the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the facility to improve access to literacy, numeracy, and digital skills training for inmates.
In a show of support, Zulum donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerry cans of cooking oil, five cows, and N20,000 cash assistance to each of the facility’s 1,280 inmates. The cash, he clarified, would be held by the correctional centre’s management in line with operational guidelines.
“Let me clarify that the N20,000 will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law. However, inmates will have access to it when necessary,” he added.
Zulum urged the inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from actions that could jeopardize the peace and development of the state.
In his remarks, Mr. Ahmed Bawa, Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, described the governor’s intervention as historic and unprecedented, expressing deep appreciation for the consistent support received from the state government.
“This is the first time in history that we are receiving such immense support from the Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” Bawa stated.
He also recalled that in May, the governor donated 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil, and 10 bulls to the custodial centre.
Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Mr. Daniel Simon expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that the dividends of good governance were being felt even behind bars.
