Nigeria@62: El-Rufai pardons four prisoners

The Kaduna government says it has approved the release of four prisoners in commemoration of Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary.

Nigeria celebrates independence day on October 1 annually to mark the country’s independence from British rule on October 1, 1960.

According to a statement from the government, the prisoners were pardoned following the recommendation of the state’s advisory council on the prerogative of mercy.

The decision of Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, to approve the pardon was also said to be based on the powers conferred on him according to section 212 of the 1999 constitution.

The names of the pardoned prisoners were listed as Abdullahi Haruna, Usman Ahmed, Mohammed Sani, and Khalillullahi Mohammed.

“The pardoned convicts were serving sentences of three years and above, and had six months or less to the end of their prison terms,” the statement reads.

“Governor El-Rufai urged the pardoned prisoners to be of good conduct as they reunite with their families and are re-integrated into the larger society.”