Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has granted an absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Mutfwang made the pardon known on Thursday while extending his good wishes to Plateau citizens and to Nigerians both at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, October 1, 2026.
In a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, the governor called the occasion “a significant moment for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence, honour the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge the challenges confronting the nation, celebrate its achievements and renew their collective faith in the promise of a stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.”
He called on Nigerians to uphold the legacy of the founding fathers by safeguarding Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said, “The responsibility of nation-building has passed from one generation to another and that every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.”
Mutfwang reaffirmed that “Nigeria’s strength lies in the collective determination of its citizens to rise above differences and build a nation in which every citizen has a sense of belonging and an opportunity to fulfil his or her aspirations.”
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for his work in preserving the country’s unity and stability and in moving the Nigerian project forward, commending the president’s “continued emphasis on national cohesion, peace, economic development and the collective responsibility of Nigerians to build a stronger nation.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor said he remains dedicated “to building a Plateau State where citizens can pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice and inclusive development.”
He commended the people of Plateau State for “their resilience, patience, patriotism and invaluable contributions to the development of the state and the nation,” urging them to “keep faith in the Nigerian project despite the challenges confronting the nation.”
The statement noted that “In exercising the powers conferred upon him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Mutfwang after due consultation with the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates, while four inmates serving death sentences had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.”
Zuhumnan Musa, Jeremiah Aese, Pam Lang, and Thoma Danboyi are the four inmates whose death sentences were reduced to life imprisonment.
Among those who received absolute pardon are Kamshine Gomerep, Maju Sajen, Jan Thomas, Gody Victor, Imran Maikasuwa, Biplang Emmanuel, Peace Sunday, Salisu Usman, Geoffrey John, and Shwarpo Luka, among others.
Speaking for the government and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang “wished Nigerians at home and in the diaspora a peaceful, meaningful, and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary” and called on all citizens to “continue to believe in Nigeria and contribute their quota towards building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of its heroes past and the aspirations of generations yet unborn.”
