Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri granted executive clemency to nine prison inmates and commuted one death sentence during the 2026 Independence Day observance.
The pardons were announced in an official statement released early Thursday morning by Chief Press Secretary Humwashi Wonosikou.
Inmate Saidu Abdullahi had his death sentence reduced to life imprisonment at the Yola Old Custodial Centre.
The executive action led to the immediate discharge of nine individuals across correctional facilities in Plateau and Adamawa states.
Inmates Released Across Several Facilities
Abubakar Dajo was released from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Jos.
Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso gained freedom from the Numan Custodial Centre.
Authorities also released Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel, and Bamaiyi Amos from facilities in Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola Old, and Kojoli.
State officials said constitutional provisions guided the decisions following recommendations from state advisors.
Wonosikou explained that the governor acted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He cited the powers conferred by Section 212(1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The state government scheduled the releases to coincide with national celebrations while ensuring all administrative paperwork was processed immediately.
Wonosikou added that Fintiri ordered the release of the inmates in commemoration of the 2026 Independence Day anniversary.
Legal processes were completed swiftly to ensure prompt execution of the governor's directives.
He said the pardons and commutation take immediate effect, as all legal formalities have been concluded with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
