The Kaduna State Government has fulfilled Governor Uba Sani’s promise to provide financial support to 97 inmates granted clemency on Democracy Day, with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000 to aid their reintegration into society.
The funds were presented on Friday at the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, marking the completion of the governor’s post-clemency support initiative. The Kaduna inmate reintegration programme is designed to help the beneficiaries rebuild their lives and transition into productive economic activities after regaining their freedom. The beneficiaries were released under Governor Sani’s constitutional prerogative of mercy granted on June 12.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Officer in Charge of the Kaduna Medium Security Custodial Centre, Assistant Controller Dalhat Ibrahim, described the intervention as a significant contribution to rehabilitation efforts. According to Ibrahim, the governor’s support extended beyond securing the inmates’ release by providing financial resources that could help them establish sustainable livelihoods.
“By paying the fines of the inmates and giving them financial assistance, this will encourage them to do what they are supposed to do. They are now set to be reintegrated into society,” he said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds as seed capital for small businesses or other lawful ventures capable of generating long-term income. He also urged them to remain law-abiding citizens and make positive contributions to their communities.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, said the disbursement represented the final phase of implementing the clemency granted by Governor Uba Sani. He explained that he led the state government delegation to the custodial centre to distribute ₦100,000 to each beneficiary in fulfilment of the governor’s earlier commitment.
Suleiman advised the former inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid activities that could result in another encounter with the criminal justice system. The Kaduna inmate reintegration initiative reflects growing attention to rehabilitation programmes that combine release from custody with economic support aimed at reducing recidivism.
Several beneficiaries welcomed the financial assistance, describing it as an opportunity to begin a new chapter in their lives. One of the beneficiaries, Chuks Solomon from Ebonyi State, thanked Governor Sani for granting them another opportunity to become productive members of society.
“We thank the governor for giving us this opportunity to regain our freedom. We also appreciate the financial support because some of us will use it as capital to start a business. We pray that God continues to bless him,” he said. Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, speaking in Hausa, described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of their lives and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State, and Nigeria.
The Kaduna inmate reintegration programme highlights the role of post-release economic support in strengthening rehabilitation efforts. Stakeholders say providing former inmates with startup capital and encouraging lawful enterprise can improve reintegration outcomes while promoting safer and more inclusive communities.
