From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has granted unconditional State pardon to 11 convicted persons who were sentenced to death over communal clash in Lavun local government of Niger state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Mu’azu disclosed this during a press briefing at the Government House, Minna.
He explained that the convicts were involved in a communal clash between Gaba and Amfani communities of Lavun local government area of the State, which led to the loss of lives and property.
Barrister Mua’azu recalled that a Minna High court on the 8th February 2022 sentenced 11 members of Anfani community to death by hanging for culpable homicide as a result of a communal clash between Gaba and Anfani communities since 2018.
The Commissioner hinted that the State pardon is in exercise of the constitutional power of the former Governor following a written request which was further reviewed between the Governor and the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He said the State pardon is also part of the reconciliatory efforts to ensure lasting peace between both communities, adding that several meetings have been held, and all issues have been resolved.
The commissioner emphasized that the Instrument of Pardon was signed on the 28th of May 2025 and has been gazetted, hence the Governor exercising his power as contained in section 212 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended decided to grant the convicts state pardon.
Those convicts that were granted State pardon include: Mohammed Mohammed, Nana Alhaji Sheshi, Isah Baba Nmadu, Mohammed Mohammed Ndabida, Abubakar Baba Salihu, Baba Mohammed Shaba, Adamu Mohammed Babaminin, Haruna Mohammed, Isah Mohammed Alhaji Inuwa, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Isah.
