Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ododo announced the decision in his Independence Day address on Thursday, saying the exercise followed the constitutional prerogative of mercy and took into account factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.
The governor said 94 beneficiaries received mercy, while seven others had their prison sentences remitted.
He explained that the decision followed recommendations from the seven-member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which he inaugurated on September 2, 2026. The council is chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN.
According to Ododo, the council reviewed case records, considered representations from inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and visited correctional facilities across the state.
The council considered factors including the beneficiaries’ ages, health conditions, offences, time already spent in custody, conduct, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills, family and community support, victims’ interests and public safety.
Among those granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds were 91-year-old Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 72-year-old Ajagbonna Olufemi David, Yakubu Atabo, Umane Okeme, Saidu Atuluku Yunusa, Hilary Chike Nwaeze, Ebenezer Mopah, Abdullahi Jibril and Usman Ismaila.
The seven beneficiaries whose sentences were remitted are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
Ododo stressed that the clemency did not erase the seriousness of the offences committed by the beneficiaries. He described the exercise as an application of constitutional mercy in deserving circumstances.
“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” the governor said.
He urged the beneficiaries to return to their families and communities as responsible citizens and put the skills and lessons they acquired while in custody to productive use.
Ododo also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support efforts to tackle crime across Kogi State.
“The battle against criminality is not a battle that government can win alone. It is a collective struggle for the soul and future of our communities,” he said.
