Borno Governor Grants Amnesty To 22 Prisoners At Independence
Addressing the inmates in Maiduguri, the state capital, Governor
Shettima implored them to cooperate with each other; irrespective of
their religious and ethnic backgrounds while undergoing their various
jail terms.
“I am here today with you to celebrate Nigeria’s 54th Independence
Anniversary, so that each one of you here can feel a sense of belonging
to this country, Nigeria. You should also take advantage of the training
reform programmes, while you serve your various jail terms. In
exercising my powers under Section 212 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, 22
of you have been granted amnesty to commemorate this country’s 54th
independence anniversary which is marked today in Borno State,” the
Governor said.
Apart from the amnesty, the governor also made a cash donation of
50,000 Naira each to the 22 inmates; along with 20 yards of cloths as
well as two bulls, 10 rams, bags of rice and beans for the feeding of
the inmates.
The Comptroller of Prisons in the state, Mr Inuwa Garba, while
briefing the governor on the state of prisons across the state, said
that the increasing cases of psychiatric among inmates, is becoming
worrisome among both prison staff as well as inmates.
He disclosed that about 28 of the 411 male inmates are mentally ill,
adding that some of affected inmates often cause panic among others at
night.
Mr Garba lamented that the prison which has a capacity of 1, 600
inmates is however; underutilised; as it currently accommodates only 411
males and seven female inmates.
“Out of this number, 33 were condemned to death, 42 for life
imprisonment, 107 were convicted on capital charges while others on
minor charges,” Mr Inuwa Garba said.
He added that, the prison was able to reform many of the inmates who
had been trained in various fields such as; carpentry, sewing and games
among others. Some were also enrolled in the Adult Education programme,
so as to rehabilitate and integrate them back into the society.
The Prison Comptroller then called on the state government to
complete the abandoned work on some of the staff quarters which had
reached roofing stage to enable the command accommodate their displaced
staff from Gwoza and Bama council areas who were displaced as a result
of the Insurgency.
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