Why Boko Haram Member Begged President Jonathan For Mercy

Twenty-four hours after convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Umar, popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for mercy, it has been revealed why he asked for such favour.

According to a latest report, the self-confessed terrorist is promising to assist the federal government to end the Boko Haram menace.

It could be recalled that Umar was sentenced to life imprisonment on December 20,2013 after he was found guilty of the December 25, 2011 bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madala, Niger State.
* Photo from scene of bomb blast in Jos

In a letter he wrote to president Jonathan, written on his behalf by his lawyer, Sheriff Okoh, Umar stated that he was innocent.

The letter obtained by Punch to the president reads:




*Convicted Kabiru Umar

    “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 circumstances, 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 an 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 organisation 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 ground norm serve the collective interest of our beloved nation towards peace and harmony.”

As at the time of compiling this report, the federal government is yet to make a statement in response to the letter.

However, analysts are of the opinion that Umar would not get a favourable reply from the presidency if it eventually decides to respond the letter.

According to a recent United Nations report, the Boko Haram insurgency has claimed over 4,000 lives in Nigeria since 2009.

One of their latest attacks carried out in Jos on Tuesday night was reported to have killed four innocent Nigerians.

The group is yet to release over 276 schoolgirls it kidnapped inside the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on 14 April, 2014.