As part of activities to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.
The governor also commuted several death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of other convicts.
Governor Zulum made the announcement during a visit to the correctional facility on Thursday, following recommendations from the state’s Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“Based on the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates,” Zulum stated.
He explained that the pardons were part of efforts to reform the justice system and offer second chances to inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and rehabilitation potential. “I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced jail terms for others as part of this year’s Democracy Day celebration,” he added.
In a bid to promote rehabilitation, the governor announced plans to upgrade the vocational training centre within the correctional facility. He said the centre would soon offer enhanced literacy, numeracy, and digital skills training to help inmates reintegrate into society more effectively after their release.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the management of the custodial centre to revamp the vocational training unit. This will equip inmates with valuable skills during their time here,” Zulum explained.
In a further show of support, the governor donated 300 bags of rice, 50 Jerry cans of cooking oil, and five cows to the facility. He also approved a cash donation of ₦20,000 for each of the 1,280 inmates currently held at the centre.
“The N20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre in line with standard procedures, but the funds will be accessible to the inmates when needed,” he clarified.
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Governor Zulum urged inmates to embrace good conduct and support ongoing peace-building efforts across the state.
In response, the Controller of the Borno State Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s continued support, describing the intervention as unprecedented.
“This is the first time in history that we have received such immense support from the Borno State Government. In May, the governor provided 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of oil, and 10 bulls. Today, he has visited again with even greater support,” Bawa said.
Also speaking, the inmates’ leader, Gambo Simon, praised the governor’s gesture, calling it a testament to inclusive governance.
“We are grateful that even behind these walls, we feel the impact of Professor Zulum’s administration,” Simon said.
