Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Renowned constitutional lawyer and philanthropist, Professor Sebastine Tar Hon, SAN, FCIArb., DSSRS, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to grant posthumous clemency to the late Colonel Joseph Akaahan Agbo, Nigeria’s second Chief of Army Staff, who died while serving the nation in 1967.
In a formal letter dated October 17, 2025, and addressed to the President through the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Professor Hon made a passionate plea for presidential pardon in honour of the late officer’s patriotic service and sacrifice. The letter, which was officially received at the Federal Ministry of Justice (HAGF Registry) on the same date, detailed Colonel Akaahan’s distinguished military career, his exemplary leadership, and his ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s unity during one of the country’s most turbulent periods.
Colonel Joseph Akaahan Agbo, who trained at the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) Training School in Ghana, rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff in May 1967. Prior to his appointment, he served with distinction during the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Congo in 1966. Tragically, Colonel Akaahan lost his life in a helicopter crash in Gboko, Benue State, while returning from the warfront. His untimely death at the young age of 30 was widely reported, including by The New York Times on August 7, 1967. Despite his service and sacrifice, the Nigerian Army at the time posthumously arraigned and dismissed him for what it termed an “unauthorised trip,” a decision that has never been formally reversed.
In his appeal, Professor Sebastine Hon described the late Colonel Akaahan as a true patriot whose contributions to the unity and defence of the nation remain indelible. He emphasized that the late officer’s name continues to command respect within military and national circles, as reflected in the Joe Akaahan Military Cantonment in Makurdi, Benue State — a facility that was recently renamed and honoured by the Nigerian Army in 2024. Professor Hon cited recent presidential pardons granted by the Federal Government to 175 Nigerians, both living and deceased, as announced in a State House publication of October 12, 2025, urging the President to extend the same gesture to Colonel Akaahan.
Quoting Section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, Professor Hon pleaded for forgiveness and a full posthumous pardon for the late Army Chief, describing his alleged offence as mere dereliction of duty and not a criminal act. He argued that such a pardon would restore dignity to Colonel Akaahan’s memory and bring closure to his family and the people of Benue State.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further expressed optimism that the plea was well-timed, given that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who also chairs the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy Committee, had announced on October 16, 2025, that the list of pardoned persons was still under review. Professor Hon stated that granting this request would bring joy and relief to the family of the deceased officer and to the people of Benue State at large, noting that such an act of mercy would demonstrate the President’s deep commitment to fairness and national healing.
He concluded by noting that granting posthumous clemency to Colonel Joseph Akaahan would not only serve justice but also immortalize one of Nigeria’s finest military officers who gave his life in service to the nation. Professor Hon urged the Federal Government to preserve Colonel Akaahan’s name in the annals of Nigeria’s military history and ensure that future generations recognize his contributions to national unity and security.
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