Convicted Boko Haram member Kabiru Sokoto begs Jonathan for pardon
Category: Boko Haram News
Convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Sokoto has appealed to
President Goodluck Jonathan to exercise his prerogative of mercy and
grant him pardon.
He also promised to assist the president in its efforts to end the activities of Boko Haram.
Umar was convicted on a two-count terrorism charge by a federal high court
in Abuja on December 20 last year and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The court found him guilty of facilitating the commission of terrorism acts
and concealing information from security agencies on the December 25,
2011 bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.
In a letter to the President, written on his behalf by his lawyer,
Sheriff Okoh, Umar said he was innocent of the offences for which he was
convicted. He faulted the process leading to his conviction and has
also appealed the High Court judgment before the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
“Your excellency sir, an innocent man was convicted by the court on
the date aforementioned. It is for this singular reason that we are
applying to you for Presidential pardon in the circumstance pursuant to
your exclusive legitimate constitutional powers as enshrined in your
golden conscience and under Section 175(a) and (b) of the Constitution.
“Your excellency sir, we are applying for respite and pardon for the
convicted felon Kabiru Umar (alias Kabiru Sokoto) because we have
absolute faith in your compassion and highest sense of fairness, equity
and justice first as a God-fearing man and next, as the leader of the
most compassionate nation on earth.
“Had Kabiru Sokoto been sentenced in open court for the corporate acts
of Boko Haram as a terrorist organsiation, we would not have spared a
thought to make this application, but he was sentenced alone for acts
committed by other members of Boko Haram (an organization that was only
proscribed after his arrest, detention and the making of his no-case
submission before the Federal High Court, Abuja division.)
“Your excellency, we vow to reach out beyond the imagination and work
with you in resolving the Boko Haram imbroglio, with the firm belief
that no quarrel of brotherhood is eternal. We shall undertake this
national task for the pleasure of God Almighty, believing in His divine
will for our peaceful, united, symbiotic and mutual coexistence as
brothers and sisters under a fair and just leader.
“We most honestly and sincerely urge you to exercise your prerogative
of mercy and grant pardon or respite in this matter in the interest of justice.
The law permits you to right each and every wrong in Nigeria, including
those of the courts and this is one good situation where such powers
under Section 175 of our grundnorm serve the collective interest of our
beloved nation towards peace and harmony,” he said.
Umar, in his notice of appeal, faulted the judgment against him and urged the appellate court to set it aside.
He raised five grounds of appeal including arguing that the trial
judge erred in law when he resolved all the doubts, with respect to
improper investigation of the case, in favour of the prosecution, a
decision he said occasioned a miscarriage of justice.
Related Posts:
- Obasanjo Holds Meeting WIth Relatives Of Top Boko Haram Members To Free Abducted School Girls
- Boko Haram Takes Over Borno Villages, Kills 9, Hoists Flag
- BREAKING: Boko Haram attacks Nigerian military base, 24 personnel feared killed
- ANOTHER ATTACK: Boko Haram Takes Over Borno Villages, kills 9 People
- The History Of Boko Haram - By Ahmed Saldika
- Students Flee as Boko Haram sends bloody letter to Adamawa State University (PHOTO)
- How To Identify A Suicide Bomber (MUST READ)
- Boko Haram Already in Lagos, Now Planning Attacks – Pastor Sharp-Sharp
- EXCLUSIVE: The only Nigerian journalist with access to Boko Haram flown home to negotiate with group
- Local Borno village Women Destroy Boko Haram Attackers In Their Villages
No comments