Zulum Pardons 66 Prison Inmates, Donates N20,000 Each To 1,280 Others
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various prison terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.
The governor also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced jail terms for other inmates.
Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the facility as part of his engagements to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
He stated that the decision followed recommendations by the state Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Governor Zulum further announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility to provide intensive literacy, numeracy, and digital skills to inmates.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to liaise with the management of Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre to enhance the vocational training centre, ensuring the provision of intensive literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
“This will enable inmates to acquire valuable skills while serving their sentences,” he said.
Additionally, the governor donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil and five cows, along with a cash gift of N20,000 to each of the 1,280 inmates at the facility.
“Let me clarify that the N20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law, but you will have access to it whenever needed.”
Governor Zulum urged the inmates to maintain good conduct and refrain from actions that could disrupt the peace and progress of the state.
Earlier, the state Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, commended the governor for his unprecedented support to the facility and its inmates, describing it as first of its kind.
“This is the first time in history that we have received such immense support from Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“In May this year, the governor provided the facility with 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil and 10 bulls.
“Today, he has visited us again. On behalf of the management, staff, and inmates, we are deeply grateful,” Bawa said.
In a vote of thanks, the head of the inmates, Gambo Simon, commended Gov. Zulum’s magnanimity, and expressed their pleasure for benefiting from the dividends of his good governance.
