by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Inmates in Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) Centres are in jubilation mood, following widespread allegations of amnesty programs to mark “June 12” Democracy Day celebration.
Although, the number of prison inmates targeted for the exercise is yet to be ascertained, information filtered from Kaduna Convict Prison source revealed that State Governors are warming-up to perform the exercise and do the needful on the D- day.
Our source, who pleaded confidentiality, also disclosed that virtually all renowned inmates, including political prisoners have gone into serious prayers for their names to make the lists of beneficiaries.
Contacted for clarity, the overall spokesman of the Service, Abubakar Umar, who took time to respond, could not confirm the information, adding, “I’m just hearing from you.”
Prison source, however, said that Kaduna Prison inmates are on high hope gears and prayers that amnesty program is going be exercised in Kaduna State on June 12, courtesy of Governor Uba Sani, again.
Governor Sani had under his official and magnanimity granted amnesty to a number inmates in October-November 2023, but allegedly later expressed regrets that all the beneficiaries were Muslims.
All efforts to confirm from other sources failed, as the governor’s media officer, Mohammed Lawal Shehu, had warned against clarification of information, and had threatened court action last time an attempt was made to do so from him.
Efforts to also get the contact number of Kaduna Prison Service Center spokesman through his Abuja counterpart was futile, as he could not respond when asked to assist in written chat.
“Assist me with Kaduna NCS centre PRO contact number, pls. Very important; now,” our reporter demanded through his private WhatsApp chat.