By Walin Gungura, Bauchi
The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, in exercising his powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, has granted state pardon to 73 inmates across various correctional centres in the state.
Governor Mohammed made this public during a ceremony held Wednesday 4th February, 2026 at the new Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi where he described the prerogative of mercy as a constitutional responsibility guided by compassion, justice and fairness, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He informed that the decision was based on recommendations by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy led by the state Anthony General and Commissioner of justice.
In his magnimity, the governor approved the sum of ₦100,000 to each of the freed inmates to assist them contribute more purposefully in the societies.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Hassan El-Yakub, said that the Governor also released ₦3.8 million to pay fines and compensation for inmates whose sentences included monetary penalties.
He called on the judiciary to adopt non-custodial measures such as community service for minor offences.
The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the state, Tade Monday, and religious leaders, commended the Governor’s gesture and urged the freed inmates to be law-abiding and contribute positively to society.
