Democracy Day: Uba Sani frees 97 inmates, offers cash grants, skill training 

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna State has granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, while also announcing cash grants and vocational training opportunities to support their reintegration into society.

Speaking during a ceremony at the Kaduna Correctional Centre on Friday, the governor said the gesture was aimed at reinforcing the values of justice, compassion, freedom and democratic governance that underpin the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Governor Sani explained that the release was carried out under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases. The exercise included outright release of inmates, commutation of sentences and payment of fines for qualified beneficiaries.

To ensure successful reintegration, the governor announced cash grants for all 97 beneficiaries and offered them admission into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf to acquire or upgrade vocational skills.

According to him, the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to rehabilitation, empowerment and inclusive development.

“While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances,” Governor Sani said.

He urged the released inmates to embrace lawful and productive lives and appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and residents to support their reintegration into society.

The governor also approved the donation of a utility bus to the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kaduna State Command, and donated medical equipment and consumables to improve healthcare services within the correctional facility.

Earlier in a Democracy Day message to residents of Kaduna State, Governor Sani described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that the 1993 presidential election demonstrated Nigerians’ ability to rise above ethnic, religious and regional differences in pursuit of a common national purpose.

A veteran of the pro-democracy struggle, the governor paid tribute to democracy heroes including , , , and , among others whose sacrifices contributed to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.

“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he stated.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, , described the exercise as another demonstration of Governor Sani’s compassionate and reform-oriented leadership.

He noted that the Prerogative of Mercy remains an important tool for balancing justice with mercy, promoting rehabilitation and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.

The Democracy Day clemency programme is part of the Kaduna State Government’s broader efforts to advance criminal justice reforms, promote social inclusion and deliver democratic dividends through policies that restore hope, create opportunities and strengthen citizenship.