ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Kaduna State Government has begun disbursing 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 likelihood of reoffending.
The disbursement took place on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, marking the final phase of the governor’s pledge to assist the beneficiaries after their release on June 12 to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The former inmates were released under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, with the state government also settling the fines of some beneficiaries to secure their freedom.
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The Officer in Charge of the custodial centre, Dalhatu Ibrahim, described the intervention as a significant step toward effective rehabilitation, saying it would ease the reintegration of the ex-inmates into society.
“By paying the fine of the inmates and giving them financial assistance, this will encourage them to go and do what they are supposed to do. They are now set to be reintegrated into the society,” he said.
Ibrahim praised Governor Sani for the initiative, noting that it supports the primary objectives of the correctional system.
“The governor’s gesture will help us in achieving the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-inmates,” he added.
He also advised the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely by investing in small-scale businesses that could help them rebuild their lives.
“We advise them to use the money as working capital to start a business or begin life afresh,” he said.
Speaking during the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, said the payment represented the concluding phase of the clemency programme.
He reiterated Governor Sani’s warning against returning to criminal activities and urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding citizens.
One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the support as an opportunity to rebuild his life.
“We very much appreciate what he has done for us. We thank him for giving us the money because some of us will use it as capital to start a business,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, who spoke in Hausa, also commended the initiative, describing it as a source of renewed hope for the former inmates.