Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts. This decision was made as part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. The governor announced this in his Independence Day address to the people of Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026. He stated that the exercise was based on the constitutional prerogative of mercy. The governor's decision was guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest, and justice.
According to Governor Ododo, the country's Independence anniversary represents freedom, responsibility, and the enduring hope that future generations can build a better society. He emphasized that justice must be balanced with compassion. A society committed to justice must also recognize rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption for those who demonstrate genuine remorse and readiness to return to responsible living. This approach aims to promote a more compassionate and rehabilitative justice system.
Governor Ododo disclosed that he inaugurated the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026. The council was chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi. The seven-member Council was previously announced by the Kogi state government. The inauguration marked the beginning of the process that led to the granting of pardons and clemency to 101 inmates and convicts.
The council reviewed relevant records of cases, considered representations made on behalf of inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports, and visited correctional centers across the state. These centers included Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah, and Okene. The council considered various factors, including age, health, the nature and circumstances of offences, period already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills acquired, family and community support, the interests of victims, public safety, and the broader interests of justice.
Governor Ododo explained that 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds such as old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorsefulness, and compassionate considerations. Seven others received remission of sentence. Notable beneficiaries who were granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds included Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, aged 91, and Ajagbonna Olufemi David, aged 72. Other beneficiaries included 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. Governor Ododo stressed that the exercise did not diminish the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries were convicted. He described it as an exercise of constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.
Governor Ododo charged the beneficiaries to regard the opportunity as a fresh responsibility and urged them to return to their families and communities as responsible citizens. He emphasized that every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility. The governor's decision aims to provide a second chance to those who have demonstrated potential for rehabilitation and a commitment to responsible living.
Key points
- Kogi State Governor grants pardon and executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts.
- The decision was guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest, and justice.
- The beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds such as old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, and compassionate considerations.
