Borno Governor Grants Amnesty To 22 Prisoners At Independence

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The Borno state Governor, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, granted prerogative of mercy to 22 prison inmates currently serving various prison terms at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison to commemorate Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary.

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.