More than 100 inmates, including those currently on death row in various custodial centers in Kano State, have submitted requests for clemency.
The disclosure was made by Suleiman Inuwa, the Controller of the Correctional Service in the state, during a visit by officials from the state Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, headed by Hajiya Azumi Namadi-Bebeji, to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Janguza.
In a statement provided by Musbahu Kofar-Nassarawa, the spokesperson for NCoS Kano Command, on Thursday in Kano, Inuwa elaborated that the applicants for clemency include individuals serving life sentences, those facing severe medical issues, and elderly inmates, among others.
Expressing that a number of inmates have exhausted their appeal options while others are now seeking clemency, Inuwa urged the committee to consider their pleas. He also commended Namadi-Bebeji, the committee’s chairperson, for implementing the Ramadan feeding program at the facility.
“We are pleased with the commendable efforts made to reduce overcrowding in the custodial centers,” remarked the controller.
In response, Namadi-Bebeji assured that the government would review their cases based on their behavior while in custody.
“I will bring forward their cases to the Executive Governor of Kano state,” pledged Namadi-Bebeji. She encouraged the inmates to adhere to the rules of the custodial center and strive to contribute positively to both themselves and society.
She also praised the inmates who have memorized the Holy Quran and those who have achieved outstanding results in the National Examination Council (NECO) with nine credits, and are now aspiring to enroll in the National Open University of Nigeria.