The Borno state government on Wednesday granted pardon to 22 prison inmates in Maiduguri as part of the celebration of Nigeria’s 54th Independence Day.
Governor Kashim Shettima, who made the announcement during an unscheduled visit to the Maiduguri maximum security prison, said the action was in line with the recommendation of the state advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy.
He presented new sets of clothing and N50,000 cash to each of the prisoners to enable them travel to their respective homes and reunite with their families.
Shettima announced approval for the release of N5 million to the prison authorities to enable them carry out general renovation of decaying facilities.
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He also donated a 27 KVA power generating set to the prison to help pump water from a new borehole provided by the government, and presented assorted food items, two bulls and 10 rams to the inmates to enable them celebrate the forthcoming Sallah.
He advised them to take their conditions as a trial from God and change their ways for the better.
“You are in prison today because it has been destined by the Almighty God; It does not mean the end of your lives,” he said.
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“Even some holy prophets were at one time or the other imprisoned, but they came out the better.”
He urged them to pray for the country toward ending the current security challenges.
Malam Inuwa Garba, comptroller of the prison, thanked the governor for providing a borehole at the prison.
Garba also requested the governor’s assistance towards providing tools for the rehabilitation centre at the prison.
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The 1,600-capacity prison currently has only 411 inmates.
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