Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum granted pardons to 66 inmates, commuted death sentences, and donated food, cash, and vocational support to inmates at Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre as part of 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.

As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has granted state and partial pardons to 66 inmates serving various sentences at the Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre. The announcement was made during his visit to the facility on Thursday, where he also unveiled a series of humanitarian and rehabilitation-focused interventions.

The governor stated that the clemency followed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, acting in line with Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He further revealed that death sentences for some inmates had been commuted to life imprisonment, while the terms of others had been significantly reduced.

“Based on the powers conferred on me under Section 212 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, I hereby grant state and partial pardons to 66 inmates of the Maximum Custodial Centre,” Governor Zulum declared.

He added, “I have also commuted death sentences to life imprisonment and reduced the jail terms of some other inmates as part of activities to celebrate this year’s Democracy Day.”

In a bid to promote rehabilitation and reintegration, Governor Zulum also announced plans to enhance the vocational training centre within the facility. He directed the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the correctional centre's management to improve the delivery of literacy, numeracy, and digital skills programmes for inmates.

“These programmes will enable inmates to acquire valuable skills that can help them reintegrate into society and contribute meaningfully upon their release,” he noted.

In addition to the pardons and educational initiatives, the governor donated 300 bags of rice, 50 jerrycans of cooking oil, and five cows to the centre. Each of the 1,280 inmates also received a cash donation of ₦20,000, which, according to the governor, would be handed over to correctional officials as required by law but made accessible to inmates as needed.

“Let me clarify that the ₦20,000 cash assistance will be handed over to officials of the Correctional Centre, as stipulated by law, but you will have access to it whenever needed,” he emphasised.

Governor Zulum urged the inmates to maintain good behaviour, assuring them that the government remained committed to supporting their transformation and ensuring better living conditions within the facility.

The Controller of Borno State Correctional Service, Ahmed Bawa, expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s continuous support, describing the interventions as unprecedented in the history of the facility.

“This is the first time in history that we have received such immense support from the Borno State Government under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” Bawa said. “In May this year, the governor provided the facility with 100 bags of rice, 20 cartons of cooking oil, and 10 bulls. Today, he has visited us again. On behalf of the management, staff, and inmates, we are deeply grateful.”

In his vote of thanks, the inmates’ representative, Daniel Simon, praised Governor Zulum’s magnanimity, expressing gratitude for the positive impact of the administration’s good governance even within the walls of the correctional facility.

Governor Zulum’s visit and actions reflect a growing emphasis on humane correctional policies and reintegration efforts in Nigeria’s justice system, especially in a region long affected by conflict and displacement.