The Kaduna State Government has commenced the disbursement of N100,000 each to 97 former inmates recently granted clemency by Governor Uba Sani as part of efforts to support their reintegration into society and reduce the risk of reoffending.

 

The payments were made on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, fulfilling a promise made by the governor following the inmates' release on June 12 to commemorate Democracy Day.

 

The beneficiaries were released under the governor's constitutional prerogative of mercy, with the state government also paying fines imposed on some of the inmates to facilitate their freedom.

 

Speaking during the disbursement, the Assistant Controller of the custodial centre, Dalhat Ibrahim, described the initiative as a major boost to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. He urged the beneficiaries to use the financial support as startup capital for legitimate businesses rather than returning to criminal activities.

 

The Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mohammed Suleiman, said the exercise marked the final phase of the clemency programme, noting that the administration was fulfilling its commitment to provide financial assistance to the released inmates.

 

He also advised the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and make productive use of the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

 

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, describing the grant as a lifeline that would enable them to establish small businesses and begin afresh.

 

The initiative forms part of the Kaduna State Government's broader criminal justice reform agenda aimed at decongesting correctional facilities, promoting restorative justice, and supporting the successful reintegration of former offenders into society.