Governor Bago Grants State Pardon to 11 Death Row Inmates

By Awwal Umar Kontagora Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has granted an unconditional state pardon to 11 individuals previousl...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has granted an unconditional state pardon to 11 individuals previously sentenced to death, in a move aimed at fostering peace and reconciliation.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nasiru Mu’azu, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Government House in Minna.

According to him, the beneficiaries of the pardon were involved in a communal clash between Gaba and Amfani communities in Lavun Local Government Area, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Barr. Mu’azu explained that the state pardon was granted in accordance with the constitutional powers of the former governor, following a formal request and subsequent review by the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

“The pardon forms part of ongoing reconciliatory efforts to restore lasting peace between the affected communities. Multiple meetings have been held, and all underlying issues have been amicably resolved,” he said.

Responding to questions from journalists on the prospects for similar cases, the Attorney General encouraged individuals or communities with comparable situations to submit formal requests for consideration.

He noted that the Instrument of Pardon was signed on May 28, 2025, and has since been officially gazetted.

The 11 pardoned individuals are:

1. Mohammed Mohammed

2. Nana Alhaji Sheshi

3. Isah Baba Nmadu

4. Mohammed Mohammed Ndabida

5. Abubakar Baba Salihu

6. Baba Mohammed Shaba

7. Adamu Mohammed Babaminin

8. Haruna Mohammed

9. Isah Mohammed Alhaji Inuwa

10. Ibrahim Mohammed

11. Mohammed Isah