Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the release of eight inmates, including Sunday Jackson, a farmer from the state who had been held at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, as part of clemency measures to mark the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In addition, the governor ordered the complete remission of jail terms for five inmates serving sentences at custodial centres in Numan and Jada. They are Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman and Saidu Abubakar.
The decision was taken in the exercise of his constitutional prerogative of mercy, following recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Fintiri said the clemency was granted after careful consideration of the inmates’ conduct, discipline and evidence of rehabilitation while in custody.
Sunday Jackson’s case had drawn national attention after he was sentenced to death for the killing of a herdsman during an altercation on his farm in 2015. The incident, which Jackson maintained was an act of self-defence, sparked widespread debate on farmers’ safety, self-defence laws and access to justice.
According to the governor, the gesture reflects his administration’s belief in justice tempered with compassion, as well as the need to encourage rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed offenders into society.
Fintiri said the pardon was granted under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution after months of appeals from community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, noting that the festive season provided an opportunity to demonstrate mercy and hope.
The governor urged the beneficiaries of the clemency to embrace a law-abiding life and contribute positively to their communities, warning that the opportunity should not be taken for granted.
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