Gov. Shettima releases 30 inmates of Maiduguri Prison

The freed inmates had stayed for long periods awaiting trial.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno on Tuesday released 30 inmates of Maiduguri Maximum Prison to mark the New Year.

Mr. Shettima, who announced the decision during a visit to the prison, said the gesture was based on the recommendations of the state Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

He said some of the beneficiaries were those who had stayed for long periods awaiting trial and others serving jail terms for minor offences.

Mr. Shettima also promised to train those who regained their freedom in different skills and provide capital for them to start businesses.

He presented N1 million cash to the prison authorities for the provision of transport and upkeep allowances for the freed inmates.

The governor called on the remaining inmates to help pray for the return of peace in the state and presented 100 bags of rice and two cows to the inmates to enable them celebrate the New Year.

The Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Mohammed Bello, thanked the governor for the gesture.

Mr. Bello, who is in-charge of the prison, appealed to Mr. Shettima to help repair the broken down borehole, which provides water to the prison.