Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has granted pardon to nine inmates serving sentences in various custodial centres as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary
The beneficiaries include Abubakar Dajo of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Jos; Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso of the Numan Custodial Centre; as well as 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
In addition to the pardons, Governor Fintiri commuted the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, the decision followed recommendations by the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy
The statement said the action was taken in exercise of the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy in respect of offences created under state law
Wonosikou said the pardons and commutation of sentence took immediate effect following the completion of the necessary legal formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service
The exercise formed part of activities by the Adamawa State Government to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary