130 inmates pardoned in Plateau as Nigeria marks 66th Independence Day
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates across custodial facilities in the state as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor also commuted the death sentences of four inmates to life imprisonment, bringing the total number of inmates affected by the exercise to 134.
Mutfwang announced the exercise on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of his message to the people of Plateau State and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to commemorate the country’s Independence anniversary.
According to the governor, the decision was taken after due consultation with the Plateau State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, in accordance with powers conferred on him by the Constitution.
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The four inmates whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang and Thoma Danboyi.
The governor’s action means that the 130 inmates granted absolute pardon will benefit from a full exercise of executive clemency, while the four whose death sentences were commuted remain subject to imprisonment under the lesser sentence.
Mutfwang: Nation-building is a collective responsibility
In his Independence Day message, Mutfwang described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, acknowledge its challenges and celebrate its achievements.
He urged citizens to preserve Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that nation-building is a responsibility shared across generations.
The governor also called on Nigerians to rise above their differences and work towards building a country where citizens have a sense of belonging and opportunities to fulfil their aspirations.
For Plateau State, Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.
He commended Plateau residents for what he described as their resilience, patience and patriotism, while urging them to continue believing in Nigeria despite the challenges confronting the country.
What the pardon means
The Independence Day clemency is significant because it goes beyond the symbolic celebration of Nigeria’s 66th year of independence.
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For the 130 beneficiaries, the governor’s decision represents an opportunity to return to society and rebuild their lives.
The separate commutation of the four death sentences also means the affected inmates will no longer face execution, although they remain in custody under life imprisonment.
The exercise is part of the constitutional prerogative of mercy available to state governors, subject to the prescribed advisory process.
Governor Mutfwang wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and meaningful Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to contribute to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of those who fought for Nigeria’s independence.
Headlineswave News Desk independently cross-checked this report against multiple Nigerian news reports, including Punch, Vanguard, AIT and Channels Television.
The figures and names of the four inmates whose sentences were commuted are consistent across the reports.
