Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has granted clemency to 97 inmates at the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking Nigeria's 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The governor also announced cash grants and vocational training opportunities for the beneficiaries, describing the move as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation, justice and social reintegration.

The announcement was made on Friday during a ceremony at the correctional facility in Kaduna. According to Sani, the release was approved under the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy following recommendations from the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.

Speaking at the event, the governor said, “While justice must be upheld, we must never lose sight of the transformative power of redemption and the importance of second chances.”

Beyond the release of inmates, Sani disclosed that beneficiaries would receive financial support and opportunities to enrol in state-owned vocational training institutes located in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf to help them rebuild their lives.

The governor also approved the donation of a utility bus, medical equipment and healthcare consumables to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Kaduna State to strengthen operations and improve healthcare services within the correctional facility.

The June 12 Democracy Day celebration commemorates Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the country's freest and fairest poll, and honours individuals who played significant roles in the pro-democracy movement.