Residents of Gaba Community in Niger State are reeling with anger and disbelief after the state government granted an unconditional pardon to 11 men sentenced to death for the brutal murder of seven local farmers.
The killings, which happened in 2018 on farmlands in Lavun Local Government Area, left the community devastated.
After four years of court proceedings, Justice Maimuna A. Abubakar of the State High Court delivered a 779-page judgment on February 2, 2022, sentencing the men to death by hanging for conspiracy and culpable homicide.
But on Tuesday, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed off on their release.
At a press conference in Minna on Thursday, June 5, Paul Gana, chairman of the Gaba Development Association, criticised the governor’s decision, warning that it could reopen old wounds and threaten the fragile peace.
“The victims were denied justice by such pardon,” Gana said, calling on the government to withdraw the decision and honour the court’s ruling. He added that the people of Gaba had fought tirelessly for justice and now feel betrayed.
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The state government, however, insists the move was made in the interest of peace.
Niger State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Nasiru Mu’azu, said the pardon was legally backed and followed recommendations from the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
He explained that the men were involved in a communal clash between the Gaba and Amfani communities, and the gesture was part of broader reconciliation efforts.
“The state pardon was also part of the reconciliatory efforts to ensure lasting peace between both communities,” Mu’azu said, noting that several meetings had taken place and all issues had been resolved.
He added that the pardon was officially signed on May 28, 2025, and had already been gazetted.
Those granted clemency are Mohammed Mohammed, Nana Alhaji Sheshi, Isah Baba Nmadu, Mohammed Mohammed Ndabida, Abubakar Baba Salihu, Baba Mohammed Shaba, Adamu Mohammed Babaminin, Haruna Mohammed, Isah Mohammed Alhaji Inuwa, Ibrahim Mohammed, and Mohammed Isah.