By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed has tasked the 73 custodial centre inmates he granted clemency that there is no honour in violence and no future in shortcut, as their strength lies in their discipline, education, enterprise and service to society.
Granting pardon to the inmates at a colourful ceremony held at the Government House, the Governor assured in the state that the
government will continue to create opportunities, but they must, and emphatically repeated, “You must choose the path of responsibility and dedication”.
Governor Bala stated, “To families and communities, integration is a shared duty. When society reject to transform individuals, it pushes them back to despair and hopelessness. When society embraces them with guidance and accountability, it strengthens peace and security for all”.
According to the governor, the
exercise also reaffirms our administration’s commitment to justice sectoral reform. humane correctional policies, and the promotion of social harmony.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to uphold the rule of law firmly while preserving the dignity of the citizenry, emphasizing that “Reward and punishment will be balanced in such a manner that we will be sitting on the midcourse”.
“Compassion does not weaken government, it strengthens it, mercy does not undermine justice, but perfects it. Redemption does not erase accountability, it completes it. As we continue in this sacred month of the Ramadan, may Allah continue to guide us, to lead with fairness, wisdom and courage”
Governor further told the pardoned inmates, “Let it be clearly understood that the decision is not an investment of one doing, it is an affirmation of transformation. It is a recognition of remorse, improved conduct, health realities, age consideration and the broader interest of justice”.
Senator Bala counseled them, “Let’s your conduct inspire others to be good citizens, to aspire to the highest office in Bauchi state with humility”, warning that crimes promises quick gains, but deliver lasting regret and remorse.
“This modest support is not charity, it is a bridge to lawful enterprise to family responsibility and to dignify time to the society. Today is not the end of sentence along, it is the beginning of responsibility, the society has extended trust on you, you should not betray, and your lives be testimonies that change is possible at any stage of life”.
Mohammed described prerogative of mercy as just not a routine administrative act, but a sacred trust that demand wisdom restraint and careful evaluation and implementation, saying it requires balancing the sanctity of the law and the higher calling of redemption.
Governor Bala also released the warrant of clemency in the exercise of his powers under section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and as recommended by the Bauchi State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in the exercise of its powers under section 6 of the Bauchi State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Law Cap 114 Laws to pardon some criminals, convicts and inmates.
“Now therefore, in the exercise such powers as afformentioned, and after consultations with State Advisory Council on Proregative of Marcy and the correctional authorities, do hereby grant unconditional pardon, accordingly order the release of 9 inmates from Alkaleri custodial centre, 23 from Azare, 10 from Darazo, 7 from Jama’are, 8 from Misau, 3 from Ningi, 6 from Toro, and 7 fróm Tsfawa Balewa custodial centres on this day 4th March, 2026 to the glory of God and to the benefit of humanity”.
Mohammed while releasing the warrant said, ”
Having carefully considered the recommendations presented to me and in the exercise conferred on me and my office by the Constitution of our dear nation, I hereby grant clemency to 73 inmates across the various custodial centres in Bauchi state”.
He further explained that the detailed review, custodial centre visits, interviews, medical considerations and assessment of conduct reflects professionalism of the highest order.
“This was not a symbolic gesture, it is a through, evidence-based process, good and fairness, and accountability”. The clemency is a deliberate decision to give deserving individuals a new lease of life, saying it is not merely opening prison gate, but opening doors of opportunities.
The Governor added, “We are choosing restoration over perpetual condemnation. We are affirming that no human being is beyond reform. To further support genuing reintegration, the government of Bauchi state will provide a token sum of 100, 000 to each beneficiary”.
He expressed appreciation to the State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Hassan EL-Yakubu (SAN), the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Marcy, the Nigeria Correctional Service for the rigorous, transparent and pains-taking work undertaken in this exercise”
“The decision to pardon the inmates was based on a through, evidenced-based process, considering factors such as remorse, improved conduct, health realities, age, and the broader interest of justice. After all, Ramadan is a season of mercy, reflection, repentance, renewal, and devotion.It reminds us that while justice preserves order, mercy restores hope”.
“Also, we look at those who have committed minor offenses with options of fine or compensation, who have served one third of their sentences and have shown remorse and exhibited good character. So these are the criteria we used for those in this group.”
“We look at old ages, those that are 60, 70, 80, also look at people who have been held for too long, those that have terminal diseases, those that do not have terminal diseases but have served more than one third of their sentence, and who have shown remorse and good conduct.”
The Bauchi State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, Hassan EL-Yakubu SAN earlier while presenting the convicts to the Governor for pronouncements of clemency, revealed that the exercise was done in consultation with the Justice Council, for the government justified by law.
He also said, “For obvious reasons, those not considered are those with cases such as rape, kidnapping, culpable homicide, armed robbery, terrorism, and so on.The Council itself in the consideration of the processes conducted interviews, assessed the majority records, considered health conditions, and the one with each for this practice.”
Justice Hassan EL-Yakubu called on the judiciary to adopt non-custodial measures such as community service for minor offences in order to serve as reformatory and decongestion of the centres.
“There was exhortation to the beneficiaries by Islamic and Christian leaders on the need for them to turn a new life and become good citizens and contribute to the development of their immediate communities and the society in general. It was a great demonstration of love and mercy coming in the month of Ramadan and Lenten period for both Muslims and Christians”
The Controller of Correctional Service in Bauchi State, Monday Tebu in a remark at the occasion, thanked Governor Bala Mohammed for the pardons, and appealed to society to accept the released inmates, emphasizing the importance of community support for successful reintegration.
One of the beneficiaries, Abbas Aminu Shira on behalf of the pardoned, similarly commended the Governor for the clemency granted to them as well as the monetary support given them saying it would go a long way in reiterating them back to the larger society.
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