Zamfara to free inmates jailed over minor offences, debts

Governor Dauda Lawal has said his administration will pardon inmates with minor offences and settle debts owed by some prisoners as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state. Lawal disclosed this while hosting the Zamfara State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Gusau. He said many inmates were being held […]

Governor Dauda Lawal has said his administration will pardon inmates with minor offences and settle debts owed by some prisoners as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities in the state.

Lawal disclosed this while hosting the Zamfara State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Gusau.

He said many inmates were being held over inability to offset minor debts, adding that the state government would intervene to facilitate their release.

The governor also said inmates nearing the completion of their jail terms and those who had shown remorse would benefit from the planned pardon.

“Our objective is to decongest the facilities and speed up justice delivery,” he said.

Lawal further pledged to upgrade facilities at the Gusau Correctional Centre, including its skills acquisition unit, accommodation, water supply and operational mobility for personnel.

He assured that relevant officials would ensure implementation of the planned interventions to improve service delivery within the correctional system.

The state Controller of the NCoS, Mohammed Juta, commended the governor for the gesture, describing it as a morale booster for personnel and a step towards strengthening law and order in the state.

The governor also noted that his administration had earlier refurbished operational vehicles for the Nigeria Immigration Service and was constructing offices and accommodation for police personnel in the state.