Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has granted clemency to 10 prisoners in the state and approved their immediate release.

The governor also granted pardon to Idris Mohammed, a retired soldier and ex-convict, who completed his prison term in 1985.

The governor’s action is based on the recommendations of the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Announcing the release on the occasion of 2018 New Year Celebration, Governor El-Rufai said that was customary to extend a gesture of compassion to deserving prisoners during New Year Day celebrations.

The governor explained that he was exercising the powers conferred upon him by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) to order the immediate release of the inmates and pardon to Mr. Mohammed, who retired as a captain.

The prisoners were serving jail terms ranging from three to six years with less than six months left to complete their terms.

Those granted pardon for their good behaviour are Habibu Iliyasu, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ibrahim Auwalu, Abubakar Abdullahi, Shehu Usman, Ibrahim Stephen, Saidu Idris, Ashimu Danmutuwa, Kabiru Mohammed and Aliyu Yusuf.

Mr. El-Rufai also said he approved the recommendation to grant pardon to Mr. Mohammed, ”to remove the stigma of ex-convict from him.”