The Kaduna State Government has begun disbursing N100,000 each to 97 former inmates recently granted clemency by Governor Uba Sani to support their reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Officials carried out the payment on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, fulfilling the governor’s pledge to support the beneficiaries following their release on June 12 to mark Democracy Day.

The inmates were freed under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, with the state also settling fines imposed on some of them to facilitate their release.

Assistant Controller of the custodial centre, Dalhat Ibrahim, described the intervention as a boost to rehabilitation efforts, saying it would help the beneficiaries rebuild their lives.

“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 society,” he said.

He added that the gesture would support the correctional service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, urging the beneficiaries to use the money as capital for small businesses rather than return to crime.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mohammed Suleiman, said the disbursement marked the final phase of the clemency programme.

“We are here as part of the last leg of the clemency granted some inmates on June 12.

“We are fulfilling the Governor’s promise by extending financial support of N100,000 each to the freed inmates,” Suleiman said.

He also advised the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and avoid any criminal activity that could lead to another imprisonment.

One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, thanked the governor, saying the financial support would help many of them start businesses and rebuild their lives.

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, also expressed appreciation, describing the intervention as a source of renewed hope.

The initiative forms part of Kaduna State’s broader criminal justice reform strategy aimed at decongesting custodial centres, promoting restorative justice and supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders. (The PUNCH)

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