Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Governors Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau have granted freedom to 139 inmates and commuted the death sentences of five others as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Fintiri approved the release of nine inmates and commuted the death sentence of one inmate to life imprisonment, while Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates and reduced the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment.
In Adamawa, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Thursday.
The nine inmates pardoned and discharged are Abubakar Dajo, serving at the Maximum-Security Custodial Centre, Jos; Zabadi Ayuba and Salvation Nyamso, serving at the Numan Custodial Centre; and Amir Idris, Mohammed Saidu, Yaro Sambo, Buhari Salisu, Urube Samuel and Bamaiyi Amos, who were held at the Jimeta, Ganye, Guyuk, Yola Old and Kojoli Custodial Centres.
Fintiri also approved the commutation of the death sentence imposed on Saidu Abdullahi, an inmate at the Yola Old Custodial Centre, to life imprisonment.
The governor acted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of powers conferred by Section 212(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The pardons and commutations took immediate effect after the required legal formalities were concluded with the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In Plateau, Governor Mutfwang granted freedom to 130 inmates as part of the state’s Independence Day activities. He also commuted the death sentences of four inmates — Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi — to life imprisonment.
Mutfwang, in his Independence Day goodwill message, described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960, acknowledge its challenges and celebrate its achievements.
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Korede Abdullah 
