Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has pardoned nine inmates serving various prison terms across the state and commuted the death sentence of another inmate to life imprisonment.
Fintiri commuted the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment as part of measures announced to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The pardon and commutation took effect after the completion of the required legal formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service, according to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
The beneficiaries of the pardon include Abubakar Dajo of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Jos; Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso of the Numan Custodial Centre; Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos, who were held at custodial centres in Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola Old and Kojoli.
Wonosikou said the decision followed recommendations by the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He said Fintiri exercised the powers conferred on him under Section 212(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The provision empowers state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy in respect of offences created under state law.
The pardons and commutation were announced as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
