Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has granted absolute pardons to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor announced the exercise of his prerogative of mercy on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following consultations with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the announcement, the four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.
The pardon exercise affects inmates held in custodial facilities across the state.
Governor Calls for National Unity
In his Independence Day message, Mutfwang described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence, recognise the sacrifices of previous generations and consider the challenges confronting the country.
He urged Nigerians to preserve the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying nation-building remained a collective responsibility.
The governor also called for continued commitment to building a society in which citizens could pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security and justice.
Exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy
The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power exercised by authorised public officials under applicable legal provisions. In this case, the state government said the decision followed consultation with the relevant advisory council.
A pardon and a commutation of sentence have different legal effects. An absolute pardon releases an eligible person from the consequences covered by the pardon, while commutation reduces a sentence without necessarily setting the person free.
The announcement did not establish that all 134 beneficiaries would be released under identical conditions, as the four death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment rather than pardoned.
The exercise formed part of the state’s Independence Day activities.