The Kaduna State Government has pardoned and released 212 awaiting-trial inmates, as part of its efforts to free up congested prisons all over the state.

According to Secretary of the Committee on Decongestion of Prisons in Kaduna State, Mr. Dari Bayero, 112 of the inmates were discharged after close to 12 years in prison custody without prosecution.

In decongestion exercises carried out between January and April in 12 prisons across the state, 61 inmates were freed from the Kaduna Central Prison, while 44 other awaiting-trial inmates were released from the Zaria Prison.

Also, 17 inmates were released from the Soba Prison, 20 from Ikara Prison, 13 from Makarfi Prison, 9 from Kachia Prison, and 8 from Manchok Prison. Eight prisoners were freed at Kwoi Prison, 10 from Kafanchan Prison, four from Gwantu Prison, 9 from Saminaka Prison, and 9 from Birnin Gwari Prison.

Bayero revealed that the plan, over the course of 2014, is to release a total of 800 inmates who committed minor offences, as they constitute the large number of those in prison.

He also commended the state government for providing the committee with funds to carry out its function, and assured that more inmates would be freed during the next prison visit.

Source ; By Saharareporters, New York