Nigeria @66: Kogi Gov Pardons 101 Inmates

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 to the people of Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The governor said the exercise was based on the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations including rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.

According to him, 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy, while seven others had their sentences remitted.

Ododo disclosed that the decision followed the work of the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which he inaugurated on September 2, 2026.

The seven member council, chaired by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed relevant case records, considered representations from inmates and examined correctional reports.

The council also visited correctional centres across the state, including facilities in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.

The governor said several factors were considered during the review, including the age and health of inmates, the nature of their offences, time already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation and vocational skills acquired.

Other considerations included family and community support, the interests of victims, public safety and the broader interests of justice.

Among those granted mercy on old age and medical grounds were Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, aged 91, and Ajagbonna Olufemi David, aged 72, alongside seven other beneficiaries.

The seven inmates whose sentences were remitted were identified as Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.

Ododo stressed that the clemency exercise did not diminish the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries were convicted.

He urged those granted mercy to regard their release as a fresh responsibility and return to their families and communities as responsible citizens.

The governor also called on young people and community leaders to support efforts to combat crime, urging residents to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and drug related offences.

He said the fight against criminality required collective efforts from government, families, traditional institutions, religious bodies and community organisations.