Gov Bago grants state pardon on 11 persons sentenced to death by court

By DanielEbi, Minna 

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has granted unconditional State pardon to Eleven persons sentenced to death by a Minna High court over a communal clash in Lavun local government areas.

State Attorney General and Commissioner of  Justice, Barrister  Nasiru Muhammad Muazu announced the pardon in a press briefing at Government house on Tuesday. 

He disclosed that, the Governor exercising his power as contained in section 212 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended decided to grant the convicts state pardon. 

He said the gesture followed a plea made by the convicts to the State Governor and the office of the Attorney General which forwarded to the State Advisory council on the prerogative of  mercy. 

” After the review by 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″

He  said the Governor decided to act by  bringing lasting peace to the lingering communal clashes between Gaba and Anfani communities in Lavun local government area of Niger State. 

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According to the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice the Governor had held a series of peace building meetings with the two warring communities before the pardon was granted.

” promises were made by the Governor to both communities to find a lasting solution to the perennial clash, but I can’t disclose the details “

The Eleven pardoned convicts are Mohammed  Mohammed, Ndana Alhaji Sheshi,  Isah  Baba Madu, Mohammed Mohammed Nda Bida, Abubakar  Baba Salihu, and Baba Mohammed Shaba.

Other beneficiaries are Adamu Mohammed Baba,  Haruna Muhammed, Isah Mohammed Alhaji inuwa, Ibrahim Mohammed and Mohammed Isah.

A Minna High court on the 8th February 2022 sentenced  eleven members of Anfani community to death by hanging for culpable homicide as a result of a communal clash between Gaba and Anfani communities since 2018.