COVID-19 Pandemic: Bauchi Gov Pardons, Frees 69 Correctional Centres’ Inmates
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State has granted pardon to 69 inmates in different Correctional Centres across the State.
The Governor’s action, in exercise of his constitutionally guaranteed powers to grant pardon, was acted upon on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
The 69 inmates, according to a statement by DSC Adam Abubakar Jibrin, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Bauchi State Command, are currently serving jail terms in various facilities across the State.
A statement by the Secretary of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Mr Ali Shehu Esq, said the exercise was aimed at decongesting the Custodial Centres due to COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the country at the moment.
The released inmates who are in three categories, comprised those with fines and compensation, inmates without fine and compensation and the third category recommended for release during the State Executive Council meeting.
In his remarks after the exercise, the Controller of Corrections, Bauchi State Command, Suleiman T. Suleiman commended the Bauchi State government for the timely intervention towards decongesting the Custodial facilities in order to curb the spread of Coronavirus amongst inmates.
Suleiman advised the pardoned inmates to reciprocate the good gesture of the Governor by shunning crimes and becoming good citizens of the society.
