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 this in his Independence Day address to the people of the state on Thursday, saying the decision was guided by considerations including rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.
The governor said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy, while seven others had their sentences remitted.
He said the exercise followed the recommendations of the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which he inaugurated on September 2, 2026.
According to Ododo, the seven-member council, chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed case records, considered representations from inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and visited correctional centres across the state.
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The governor said factors considered included the age and health of the inmates, nature of offences, time already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, skills acquired, family and community support, victims’ interests and public safety.
Those granted mercy on old age and medical grounds included Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief 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 exercise did not diminish the seriousness of the offences committed by the beneficiaries, describing it as an exercise of constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.
“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” the governor said.
The governor also called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support efforts to combat crime in the 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.