By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (CON), has exercised his constitutional powers to grant a full pardon to Sunday Jackson, a death row inmate, alongside two other convicts, while approving the remission of sentences for five additional prisoners across custodial centres in Nigeria.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, is part of the governor’s Christmas and New Year goodwill gesture, aimed at promoting justice tempered with mercy, rehabilitation, and reintegration of reformed inmates into society.
The development has drawn widespread attention, particularly due to the inclusion of Sunday Jackson, whose conviction and death sentence had previously generated public concern and advocacy from human rights groups.
Sunday Jackson, Two Others Granted Full Pardon
According to the official statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, Governor Fintiri granted absolute pardon to three inmates:
Sunday Jackson, currently held at Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja
Joseph Eugene, incarcerated at Medium Security Custodial Centre, Yola (New)
Maxwell Ibrahim, serving his sentence at Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kaduna
The pardon effectively wipes out their convictions, restoring their civil rights and ordering their release from custody.
For Sunday Jackson, who had been sentenced to death, the pardon marks a dramatic and life-altering turn, bringing closure to a case that had lingered in public discourse.
Five Inmates Granted Full Remission of Sentences
In addition to the pardons, Governor Fintiri also approved the total remission of the remaining jail terms of five other inmates, having considered their conduct and years already spent in custody.
The beneficiaries include:
Joshua James Audo
Adamu Ibrahim
Mohammed Abubakar
Ibrahim Usman
Saidu Abubakar
These inmates are currently serving sentences at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada, Adamawa State.
With the remission approved, the affected inmates are expected to regain their freedom immediately, subject to administrative procedures by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Governor Fintiri Cites Good Conduct, Rehabilitation
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Governor Fintiri said the inmates demonstrated significant improvement in behaviour, discipline, and moral conduct during their incarceration.
He noted that the exercise was carried out in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and based on recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
“Therefore, in the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted pardon to three persons and directed the remission of the remainder of the sentences of five others,” the governor stated.
He added that the beneficiaries had served various jail terms and consistently displayed good conduct over the years, justifying the compassionate intervention.
Christmas Gesture Reflects Reform-Oriented Governance
The pardon exercise forms part of Adamawa State’s broader commitment to correctional reform, restorative justice, and humane governance. By linking the decision to the festive season, the governor underscored the values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances.
Observers say the decision aligns with modern correctional philosophy, which places emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone, especially for inmates who have shown genuine remorse and personal growth.
Public Reaction and Human Rights Significance
The pardon of Sunday Jackson, in particular, has been welcomed by civil society actors who had previously raised concerns about death row inmates and prolonged incarceration.
Legal analysts note that the move reinforces the importance of the prerogative of mercy as a constitutional safeguard within Nigeria’s justice system, especially in cases where humanitarian considerations arise after conviction.
Next Steps for Released Inmates
The Adamawa State Government said arrangements are being made with the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure smooth processing and release of the affected inmates.
The governor also urged the beneficiaries to become law-abiding citizens, warning that the gesture should not be taken for granted.
A Message Beyond the Prison Walls
As Nigerians celebrate Christmas and prepare for the New Year, Governor Fintiri’s action sends a strong signal about leadership, compassion, and accountability.
For families of the released inmates, it marks a moment of relief and reunion. For the justice system, it is a reminder that mercy remains a vital pillar of governance.
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