Kabiru Sokoto Seeks Presidential Pardon ,Promise To Initiate Negotiation With Boko Haram

 

Convicted Boko Haram member, Kabiru Umar (aka Kabiru Sokoto) has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan for pardon, promising to assist the government in its efforts to end the activities of the now outlawed sect.

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, Madalla, 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.

The letter reads:

“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.