On October 1, 2026, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State granted pardons to nine inmates serving in various correctional facilities across the country. The inmates discharged include Abubakar Dajo from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Jos, Plateau State, and Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso from the Numan Custodial Centre in Adamawa State.
The list of pardoned inmates also includes Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel, and Bamaiyi Amos, who were serving terms at the Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola Old, and Kojoli Custodial Centres, respectively. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, the pardons were granted in commemoration of Nigeria's 2026 Independence Day anniversary.
In addition to the pardons, Governor Fintiri approved the commutation of a death sentence imposed on Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment. The governor's decision was based on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 212(1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The pardons and commutation took immediate effect, as all necessary legal formalities had been concluded with the Nigerian Correctional Service. The governor's action is seen as a gesture of mercy and a way to decongest the country's correctional facilities. The inmates were reportedly overjoyed by the news of their release.
Governor Fintiri's decision to pardon the inmates is not an isolated incident. As part of the country's efforts to reduce the prison population, various state governments and the federal government have been implementing measures to decongest correctional facilities. The measures include granting amnesty and pardons to eligible inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has been working to address the issue of overcrowding in correctional facilities. The service has been implementing various reforms aimed at promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The pardon granted to the nine inmates is expected to contribute to these efforts.
The Adamawa State government has not disclosed the criteria used to select the inmates for pardon. However, it is understood that the selection process involved a thorough review of the inmates' cases by the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. The committee's recommendations were then considered by the governor before the final decision was made.
Key points
- Nine inmates were pardoned and discharged from various correctional facilities in Nigeria.
- A death sentence imposed on an inmate was commuted to life imprisonment.
- The pardons and commutation were granted in commemoration of Nigeria's 2026 Independence Day anniversary.
