Borno State Governor Grants Pardons and Aid to Over 1,280 Inmates

Strategic Insights -

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has taken steps to improve the lives of over 1,280 inmates at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre. On Thursday, as part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Governor Zulum granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates, commuted death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced jail terms for others. The decision followed recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. In addition to the pardons, Governor Zulum announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility, providing intensive literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programs for inmates. He also donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five cows, along with a cash gift of N20,000 to each inmate, to improve their living conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Zulum granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates, commuted death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced jail terms for others.
  • The pardons were based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
  • Governor Zulum announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility, providing intensive literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programs for inmates.
  • He donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five cows, along with a cash gift of N20,000 to each of the 1,280 inmates.
  • The cash assistance will be handled over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law.
  • Governor Zulum urged the inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from actions that could disrupt the peace and progress of the state.
  • The visit marked the first time Borno State Government has received such support from Governor Zulum, along with a previous donation in May.
  • The facilities received 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil, and 10 bulls in May.

Statistics:

  • 66 inmates received state and partial pardons.
  • Death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
  • Jail terms were reduced for several inmates.
  • 300 bags of rice were donated.
  • 50 jerrycans of cooking oil were donated.
  • Five cows were donated.
  • A cash gift of N20,000 was donated to each of the 1,280 inmates.
  • The total value of the cash gift is N25.6 million.
  • The visit marked the second time Borno State Government has provided support to the facility this year.

Sources:

  • "Borno Governor Zulum Visits Correctional Centre, Grants Pardons to 66 Inmates" (The Guardian)
  • "Borno Governor Zulum Visits Correctional Centre, Commutes Death Sentences to Life Imprisonment" (Premium Times)
  • "Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum" (official website)
  • "Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy" (official website)