Gov El-Rufai approves release of 11 prisoners

Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has approved the release of 11 convicts.

The Governor has taken this decision in line with the prerogative of mercy powers bestowed on him by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

This was confirmed in a statement released by Sir Kashim Ibrahim.

He said the governor has exercised the power of prerogative of mercy as recommended by the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, as the convicts regained their freedom on Sunday.

He added that it has become a tradition on New Year day to grant pardon to worthy prisoners who within the jurisdiction of the state.

He revealed that the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy had earlier made recommendation for the freedom of Musa John, Yakubu Abdullahi and Habu Usman.

Othera who regained their freedom were: Shamsu Usman, Abdullahi Abdulmumuni, and Mahadi Abdullahi as well as Futune Mabuke, Abdullahi Lawal, Sunday Iliya , Mohammed Anas and Kayode Gabriel Adenji.

According to the statement : ‘’Kaduna State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy based its recommendations on convicts serving sentences of three years or more who have six months.

”They must have not more than six months to serve and long-term prisoners who have served ten years or more of their sentence with good conduct,

“And convicts suffering from ill health likely to terminate in death. The committee also considered private submissions for clemency made to the governor.‘’

Earlier, the Governor had appreciated the citizens of the state for considering him worthy enough to lead them as well as for understanding and standing by him over the years.

The governor ‘’ wished the people a happy new year and appealed for optimism in spite of the tough times.’’

El Rufai said he hopes, ‘’ the hard work done since 2015 to make the state better and improve lives will continue with the next government.’’