Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has approved a pardon for Sunday Jackson, who had earlier been sentenced to death, as well as two other prisoners.
The development was announced by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou, in a statement released on Tuesday in Yola.
According to Wonosikou, the pardons were granted as part of events marking the Christmas and New Year festivities.
He said, those granted pardon include;
“Sunday Jackson of Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Joseph Eugene of Medium Security Custodial Centre, Yola New, and Maxwell Ibrahim of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna”.
He added that the governor also approved the full remission of the remaining sentences of five other inmates.
The beneficiaries are Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman and Saidu Abubakar.
They are currently serving their various jail terms at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada.
According to the statement, Fintiri’s decision followed the inmates’ demonstrated improvement in behaviour and conduct while in custody.
It stated that the action was taken in the exercise of his constitutional prerogative of mercy, based on the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“Therefore, in exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
“I have granted pardon to three persons and directed the remission of the remainder of the sentences of five others.
“These people have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years,” he said.
Wonosikou noted that the governor’s gesture was intended to give the beneficiaries a fresh start and encourage their rehabilitation and reintegration into society during the festive season.