Maiduguri: Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various jail terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre. The governor also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of several others.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during a visit to the custodial centre as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration. He said the decision followed recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The governor stated, "Based on the powers conferred on me and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I, hereby, grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates of the Maximum Custodial Centre." He further added that death sentences had been commuted to life imprisonment and some jail terms reduced as part of the Democracy Day celebrations.

Additionally, Zulum announced plans to strengthen the vocational training centre within the facility to provide inmates with intensive literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programs. "I have directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to liaise with the management of the centre to enhance vocational training opportunities for inmates," he said.

In a bid to support the inmates, the governor donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerry cans of cooking oil, five cows, and cash assistance of N20,000 to each of the 1,280 inmates in the facility. He explained that the cash would be kept in custody of the correctional centre's management, in line with procedures, ensuring inmates have access to it when needed.

The governor advised the inmates to maintain good conduct and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and development of the state. In response, Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Mr. Ahmed Bawa, described the governor's intervention as historic and unprecedented, acknowledging the immense support received from Zulum's administration.

Mr. Daniel Simon, speaking on behalf of the inmates, expressed gratitude to the governor for his magnanimity, highlighting that the dividends of good governance under Zulum were being felt even behind bars.