Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted pardons to nine inmates serving various prison terms and commuted the death sentence of another inmate to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The state government announced the decision on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying it took immediate effect after the completion of the required legal formalities with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
According to the announcement, those pardoned include Abubakar Dajo, Zabadi Ayuba, Salvation Nyamso, Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos.
The inmates were held in correctional facilities in Adamawa and Plateau states.
Fintiri also commuted the death sentence imposed on Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment.
Constitutional Authority
The governor exercised the prerogative of mercy under Section 212(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, following advice from the state’s Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The government said the measure was intended to give the beneficiaries a second chance and formed part of the state’s activities to commemorate Independence Day.
Independence Day Message
In his anniversary message, Fintiri paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding figures and commended the military and other security agencies for their service amid continuing security challenges.
He also acknowledged the economic and social difficulties facing Nigerians, while expressing optimism about the country’s future.
The governor said his administration remained committed to completing ongoing development projects in Adamawa State.
The pardon and commutation are separate legal measures: the nine inmates were granted pardons, while the tenth inmate’s death sentence was reduced to life imprisonment.