The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has granted a state pardon to 12 convicted inmates as an act of compassion in the spirit of Ramadan and the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The pardon comes a day before the Eid al-Fitr celebration, scheduled to be observed by Muslims worldwide on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The governor’s decision was announced in a statement signed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Bello Fanini, and made available to journalists on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital.
According to the statement, the pardon followed the recommendation of the Jigawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in line with Section 5(1) of the relevant law.
It added that the decision was executed under Section 212(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The pardoned inmates are Ibrahim Adamu Isa, Sa’idu Umar, Adamu Musa, Habibu Musa, Yusuf Ahmed, Shu’aibu Adamu, Abdullahi Ya’u, Yahaya Jana’u, Abdul Hamisu, Garba Miko, Salisu Isa and Aliyu Ibrahim.
Fanini said the gesture underscored the government’s commitment to fostering goodwill and promoting peace.
“This act of mercy reflects our government’s dedication to reconciliation and reintegration,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to maintain good behaviour and avoid actions that could lead them back into conflict with the law.
“We expect them to reciprocate this gesture by being law-abiding citizens,” he added.
Fanini further explained that the pardon was aimed at promoting reconciliation and reintegration, expressing hope that the beneficiaries would contribute positively to society.
He also noted that the government would support their reintegration, including providing assistance to help them resettle.
The commissioner called on members of the public to accept the pardoned inmates and support their return to society.
“We urge the community to welcome them and support their reintegration,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with global best practices in criminal justice, which emphasise rehabilitation and reintegration.
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