In a bid to alleviate overcrowding in correctional institutions, the Yobe State government has pardoned 30 inmates held in various facilities for a range of minor offenses.
The move, confirmed by Alhassan Sule Mamudo, Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Justice, marks a periodic effort by state authorities to decongest prisons.
The pardon was executed following the advice of the State’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Saleh Samanja.
Prior to granting the pardon, the council visited correctional facilities in Potiskum, Nguru, and Gashu’a to assess the inmates and determine who qualified for release.
Mamudo stated that the decision to release inmates convicted of minor offenses or those who could alternatively pay fines is part of a regular process implemented by the state government.
“Granting freedom to inmates with minor offenses or the option of fines is done periodically to reduce the strain on our correctional facilities,” he explained.
State officials believe that these measures will not only ease the pressure on the prison system but also support the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
The council’s thorough review underscores Yobe State’s commitment to ensuring that pardons are granted judiciously, focusing on those inmates deemed least likely to reoffend.
As Yobe State continues to manage its correctional system challenges, this initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to balance punitive measures with humane and pragmatic solutions aimed at decongesting prisons and promoting public safety.
Further details on the implementation of this pardon and its impact on the state’s correctional policies are awaited as the government monitors the situation.