Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has directed the release of 69 prisoners in compliance with the directives given by the federal government to decongest Correctional centres across the country in order to check the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, while exercising his powers to grant pardon, ordered that 69 inmates who are currently serving various jail terms in various facilities across the State be freed.
A press statement signed by the secretary of the advisory council on prerogative of mercy, Barrister Ali Shehu, said the action was aimed at decongesting the Custodial Centres to tame the spread of coronavirus pandemic ravaging the Country.
The inmates released who are in three Categories, comprised of those with fine and compensation, inmates without fine and compensation and the third category were recommended for release during the council meeting.
Suleiman T.Suleiman, the Controller of Correctional service Bauchi State Command, commended the Bauchi State government for heeding to the advice of the federal government in decongesting the Custodial facilities in order to curb the spread of Coronavirus amongst inmates.
He advised the pardoned inmates to reciprocate the good gesture by shunning crime and becoming good citizens of the society.
Suleiman appealed to the state government to from time to time conduct such exercises which he says will help address prison congestion and better the conditions of inmates.
