19 September 2012 :

Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto, Nigeria, commuted death sentences of three people who were condemned to death for the offence of culpable homicide and unconditionally pardoned thirteen others. Announcing the decision of the Governor, the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Nuhu Adamu said Wamakko acted in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, "In line with the powers conferred on the executive governors by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Aliyu Wamakko has granted amnesty to the following prison inmates at the Sokoto Central Prison upon recommendations by the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy," Wamakko said adding that the gesture was to commemorate the Edil Fitr. Those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment are Isah Bala, Aminu Shehu and Tsalha Hassan.