Boko Haram: Convicted Kabiru Sokoto begs President Goodluck Jonathan for Pardon

Culled from Punch

A member of Boko Haram sect already convicted of terrorism charges, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto), has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for pardon.

Umar was jailed for being part of the mastermind of the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Mandala, Niger State.

In his letter, , Sheriff Okoh (his lawyer) faulted the process leading to his client’s conviction, and assured that Umar had offered to help government to solve the Boko Haram crisis in the country.

Find his letter after the cut:

The appeal letter reads in part,

 “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 organisation, 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 organisation that was only proscribed after his arrest, detention and the making of his no-case submission before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division).”
The convict also offered to help to resolve the Boko Haram crisis if his request for a pardon was granted by the President, adding that the President had the power to “right the wrong” against any Nigerian citizen.

His letter further reads, “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.”