Fintiri Gives Nine Adamawa Inmates Second Chance, Commutes Death Sentence to Life
Fintiri Gives Nine Adamawa Inmates Second Chance, Commutes Death Sentence to Life
By Akin Alade
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has used Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary to extend the state’s prerogative of mercy to nine inmates, while also reducing the death sentence of another inmate to life imprisonment.
The gesture, which took effect immediately after the completion of the required legal formalities, gives the beneficiaries an opportunity to return to society and rebuild their lives. Governor Fintiri’s action was based on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The governor also approved the commutation of the death sentence imposed on Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment. Unlike those granted pardon, Abdullahi was not released but had his punishment changed from death to life imprisonment.
The nine inmates granted pardon are Abubakar Dajo, Zabadi Ayuba, Salvation Nyamso, Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos. They were serving their various sentences at custodial centres including those in Jos, Numan, Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola Old and Kojoli.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, the decision was taken pursuant to the constitutional powers vested in the governor under Section 212(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Beyond the legal provision, the Independence Day intervention places attention on the idea of mercy, rehabilitation and reintegration. For the nine beneficiaries, the pardon represents an opportunity to reconnect with their families and begin another chapter outside custodial facilities.
The development also highlights the constitutional role of state governors in exercising the prerogative of mercy. Such powers allow governors, subject to constitutional provisions and due process, to grant pardons, remit sentences or commute certain punishments.
Fintiri’s latest action is also part of a broader pattern of executive clemency in Adamawa. Previous exercises of the prerogative of mercy under his administration have included pardons and the commutation of death sentences following recommendations from the relevant advisory committee.
The timing of the decision gives the 2026 Independence anniversary an additional humanitarian dimension in Adamawa State. While Nigeria marked another year of nationhood, nine inmates received the opportunity to regain their freedom, while another death-row inmate received a reprieve from capital punishment.
For the beneficiaries, however, the significance of the decision goes beyond the Independence Day celebration. It presents a responsibility to use the second chance positively, rebuild broken relationships and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The Fintiri administration said the necessary formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service had been completed, allowing the pardon and commutation to take immediate effect.
The development reinforces the importance of rehabilitation and second chances within Nigeria’s correctional system, while underscoring the constitutional responsibility attached to the exercise of executive mercy.
