In honour of Nigeria’s 64th anniversary of independence, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu pardoned 113 prisoners in the Sokoto Correctional Centre on Tuesday.

The governor, who was accompanied by Nasiru Binji, the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, stated that the pardon was in accordance with Section 212 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Constitution (as amended).

22 death sentences were converted to life in prison, while 67 of the pardoned prisoners were freed unconditionally.

He said, “Two inmates had their sentences reduced by two years, and 22 inmates serving life sentences had their terms reduced to 25 years.”

The governor urged the ex-offenders to reintegrate into society as positive representatives of the criminal justice system.

“When you go back home, you should continue to prioritise the attitude shift you have learnt here.

“Make sure your life is different from when you came here, and don’t let yourself come back here,” he counselled.

Additionally, he stated that each of the 67 freed prisoners will get a ₦50,000 monetary contribution to them in their fresh starts.

Lawal Gusau, the Sokoto State Controller of Correctional Services, praised the governor’s kindness in his remarks.

“The initiative will support ongoing efforts to decongest correctional centres across the country,” Gusau said.