No Honour in Crime: Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Grants Unconditional Freedom to 73 Inmates
From the office of the SSA Communication to Governor Bala Abdulkadir of Bauchi state
Published by Alphapressmedia
In a powerful demonstration of compassion blended with justice, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has granted unconditional executive pardon to 73 inmates across custodial centres in the state.The Prerogative of Mercy ceremony, held at the New Banquet Hall, Government House Bauchi, coincided with the holy month of Ramadan — a timing the Governor described as symbolic of forgiveness, reflection, and moral rebirth.Exercising his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Governor Mohammed stressed that the gesture was not a routine political exercise but a serious constitutional responsibility.“There is no honour in crime,” the Governor declared, urging beneficiaries to embrace a new life of responsibility and lawful conduct.According to the Governor, the clemency followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after a thorough review of 117 applications, out of which 73 inmates were found qualified.The selection process considered:Age and health conditionsLength of sentence already servedMinor nature of offencesDemonstrated remorseHe made it clear that those convicted of capital offences were excluded from the exercise.Governor Mohammed emphasized that mercy must complement justice, noting that society must create room for rehabilitation and reintegration.In his remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hassan Elyakub SAN, disclosed that the Governor approved the release of ₦3.8 million to settle fines and compensation attached to some of the inmates’ sentences.He also revealed that additional financial support was provided to cover transportation and palliatives to ease the reintegration process.Hassan Elyakub urged the judiciary to adopt more non-custodial measures such as community service for minor offences, saying correctional efforts should focus more on reform than punishment.The Controller of Corrections, Bauchi State Command, Tebu Monday, described the Governor’s action as humane and reform-driven.He appealed to community and religious leaders to support reintegrated individuals and help prevent recidivism.Religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian communities delivered sermons centered on forgiveness, repentance, and second chances.Speaking on behalf of the freed inmates, Musa Muhammed Shira expressed deep gratitude to the Governor and pledged that the beneficiaries would become responsible and productive members of society.Governor Bala Mohammed concluded with a strong reminder that freedom comes with accountability.For Bauchi State, the gesture sends a clear message: while crime carries consequences, genuine remorse and reform can open the door to a second chance.
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