* Says decision will restore peace
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has granted unconditional State pardon to 11 person sentenced to death in the state.
They were sentenced to death by a Minna High court over the killings in communal clash in Lavun local government areas of Niger State.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Muhammad Muazu announced the pardon in a press briefing in Minna on Tuesday.
He said, “the Governor exercising his power as contained in section 212 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended decided to grant the convicts state pardon. The gesture followed a plea made by the convicts to the State Governor and the office of the Attorney General which was forwarded to the State Advisory council on prerogative of mercy”.
He explained that after the review of the advice of the council on prerogative of mercy in the state, the Governor decided to grant the pardon on the 28th of May, 2025.
According to the commissioner, the Governor decision is aimed at bringing lasting peace to the lingering communal clashes between Gaba and Anfani communities in Lavun local government area of the state.
He said that the Governor had held series of peace building meetings with the two warring communities before the pardon was granted.
The commissioner named the 11 pardoned persons as Mohammed Mohammed, Ndana Alhaji Sheshi, Isah Baba Madu, Mohammed Mohammed Nda Bida, Abubakar Baba Salihu, and Baba Mohammed Shaba.
Others are Adamu Mohammed Baba, Haruna Muhammed, Isah Mohammed Alhaji inuwa, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Isah.
They were sentenced to death by hanging on 8th February 2022 for culpable homicide as a result of a deadly communal clash between Gaba and Anfani communities.
