Nigerian Governors Grant Pardons to Over 250 Inmates

On October 1, as part of Nigeria's 66th Independence Day celebrations, governors from Plateau, Kogi, Taraba, and Adamawa states granted pardons to over 250 inmates. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau announced an absolute pardon for 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment, following consultations with the Plateau State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

In Kogi, Governor Usman Ododo pardoned 101 inmates, citing reasons such as old age, medical conditions, and good conduct. He emphasized the importance of using this second chance responsibly.

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba pardoned 24 reformed inmates, while Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa pardoned nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of Saidu Abdullahi to life imprisonment. The total number of beneficiaries across the four states reached 264, with 257 receiving pardons leading to their release.