Zulum Grants Freedom to 66 Inmates, Eases Sentences in Democracy Day Gesture
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
In a bold Democracy Day gesture, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state pardon to 66 inmates at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre (MXCC), commuting several death sentences to life imprisonment and reducing other jail terms.
Governor Zulum made the announcement during a visit to the correctional facility on Thursday, as part of activities marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
“The pardon follows the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy,” the governor stated, assuring that the state government will continue to support both released and serving inmates through skills acquisition programs.
He emphasized that, beyond the pardon, his administration is committed to rehabilitating inmates through education and vocational empowerment.
“We will strengthen the vocational training centre here by introducing literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programs to empower inmates with useful skills,” Zulum declared.
To this end, he directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, to collaborate with the prison management in upgrading the facility’s training programs.
In addition to reforms, Governor Zulum boosted inmates’ welfare by donating 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five bulls for their feeding. He also disbursed N15.6 million in cash to all 1,280 inmates, giving each a sum of N20,000 to enhance their living conditions.
The governor urged the inmates to embrace reform and uphold good behavior, saying their cooperation was crucial to the peace and development of the state.
Responding, the Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, praised the governor’s consistent support, calling it “unprecedented” and a true reflection of leadership that cares.
“This is the second time in recent months the governor has extended such generosity. In May, he gave us 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of oil, and 10 bulls,” Bawa noted.
Also speaking, inmate representative Daniel Simon expressed gratitude, stating that the governor’s visit and gesture signify that the dividends of democracy are reaching even those behind bars.
