Yola, Adamawa State – In a gesture marking the Christmas and New Year season, Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, has exercised his constitutional powers of mercy to grant pardon and sentence remissions to several inmates across the state and beyond.
The most significant act of clemency extends to Sunday Jackson, a death row inmate previously held at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, who has now been granted a full pardon. Governor Fintiri also pardoned Joseph Eugene, an inmate from the Yola Medium Security Custodial Centre, and Maxwell Ibrahim, who was serving his sentence in Kaduna.
A Prerogative of Mercy
In a statement, Governor Fintiri explained that the decision followed the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. He emphasised that the beneficiaries had shown "significant improvement in their behaviour and conduct" during their incarceration.
“Therefore, in the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria... I have granted pardon to three persons and directed the remission of the remainder of the sentences of five others who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years,” the Governor stated.
Sentences Remitted for Five Others
In addition to the three pardons, Governor Fintiri ordered the full remission of the remaining prison terms for five other inmates, effectively securing their immediate release. Those benefiting from this remission are:
* Joshua James Audo
* Adamu Ibrahim
* Mohammed Abubakar
* Ibrahim Usman
* Saidu Abubakar
These individuals were serving their sentences at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada, Adamawa State.
The exercise of executive clemency during festive periods is a longstanding tradition in Nigeria, rooted in the constitutional powers granted to both state governors and the President. It is often used to offer a second chance to inmates who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation, to decongest correctional facilities, and to reflect the spirit of forgiveness associated with holidays.
Governor Fintiri's action aligns with this tradition, aiming to reintegrate reformed individuals back into society while commemorating the season of goodwill.
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