Kogi governor grants clemency to 101 inmates and convicts

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 the state on Thursday. He said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy, while the sentences of seven others were remitted.

The governor said the exercise followed recommendations from the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. The seven-member council, chaired by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, was inaugurated on September 2, 2026. According to Ododo, the council reviewed case records, considered representations from inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and visited correctional centres across the state.

Its considerations included the beneficiaries’ ages and health, the nature of their offences, time served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation and skills acquired. The council also considered 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 people whose sentences were remitted were Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi. Ododo said the clemency did not diminish the seriousness of the offences committed. He described it as constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances and told the beneficiaries that a second opportunity carried greater responsibility.

He also urged parents, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support efforts against crime, saying the government could not win that battle alone.