By Habib M. Bello
Zaria
Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has granted pardon to 10 prison inmates in the state and approved their immediate release.
The governor also granted pardon to Idris Mohammed, a retired soldier and ex-convict, who completed his prison term in 1985.
El-Rufa’I’s action was based on the recommendations of the Kaduna state Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Announcing the release on the occasion of New Year day, El-Rufai said it was customary to extend the gesture of compassion to deserving prisoners during the celebrations.
The governor explained that he was exercising the powers conferred upon him by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to order the immediate release of the inmates and grant pardon to Mohammed, who retired as a captain.
The prisoners were serving jail terms ranging from three to six years with less than six months left to complete their terms.
Those granted pardon for their good behaviour are; Habibu Iliyasu, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ibrahim Auwalu, Abubakar Abdullahi, Shehu Usman, Ibrahim Stephen, Saidu Idris, Ashimu Danmutuwa, Kabiru Mohammed and Aliyu Yusuf.
