Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has pardoned 4,000 inmates over the course of eight years, according to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Malam Hassan Fagge, on Friday in Kano.

The statement quoted Governor Ganduje, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, as making the announcement while pardoning 43 inmates at the Goron Dutse custodial facility as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Governor Ganduje stated that his government had spent N4.9 million to settle fines and compensations for the pardoned inmates during the eight-year period.

He emphasized the importance of freedom in human life and urged the inmates to exhibit good character upon their return to society.

The Controller of the correctional service in the State, Mr Suleiman Inuwa, acknowledged that the gesture would help decongest the facilities and promote a peaceful atmosphere in the yard.

He urged the beneficiaries to be law-abiding and serve as good ambassadors of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Mallam Abdullahi Garba, Chairman of the Council on Prerogative of Mercy, expressed gratitude to the governor for exercising his constitutional power to free the inmates, and also thanked the correctional service management and the council for recommending the inmates for the gesture. (NAN)