In a surprising and heartfelt plea, a 15 year old boy awaiting execution on death row has written a letter to Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, requesting the swift execution of his sentence.
Mustapha Abubakar, the youngest inmate at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, where he resides in Cell 6, Unit 1, Cluster 2, penned the letter urging the governor to expedite the execution if his appeal for clemency does not see progress “within a reasonable time frame.”
Abubakar’s harrowing journey led to his death sentence by hanging at the tender age of 14. He became entangled in a criminal scheme involving kidnapping for ransom, which tragically resulted in the death of the hostage.
Currently, he awaits execution alongside 81 men and two women at the facility.
In his distressing letter, Abubakar describes being subjected to prostitution, physical and mental abuse, and unprotected sexual assault by older inmates and corrupt warders. He expressed that he would have considered suicide, but his faith prohibits it.
Dated September 1, 2023, the letter, titled ‘A Plea For Clemency Or Death,’ is addressed to Governor Zulum, with copies sent to Vice President Kashim Shettima (former Borno Governor). In the letter, Abubakar writes, “My name is Mustapha Abubakar. I am a fifteen-year-old boy who was sentenced to death by hanging when I was fourteen. Currently, I am awaiting execution as an inmate on death row in Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MMSCC) Borno State, along with 81 men and 2 women. I am the youngest…”
Abubakar goes on to reflect on the circumstances that led to his conviction and expresses deep remorse for his actions. Abubakar also conveys his hope for a second chance at life, pledging to become a wiser and more productive member of society if given the opportunity.