Kogi governor grants clemency to 101 inmates for Independence anniversary

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has granted 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 it was based on the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice. The governor said the exercise reflected the need to balance justice with compassion.

He added that the anniversary represented freedom, responsibility and the hope that future generations could build a better society. Ododo inaugurated the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2. The seven-member council, chaired by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, reviewed case records and representations made on behalf of inmates and convicts.

The council also examined correctional reports and visited centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene. Its considerations included age, health, the nature of offences, time served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills, family support, public safety and the interests of victims. According to the governor, 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy on grounds including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, remorse and rehabilitation.

Seven others received remission of sentence. Those listed among the beneficiaries on age and medical grounds included Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, aged 91, and Ajagbonna Olufemi David, aged 72. The governor stressed that clemency did not diminish the seriousness of the offences.

He urged those released or granted remission to return to their families and communities as responsible citizens and not reoffend. Ododo also called on young people to reject kidnapping, robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and drug-related offences. He said the fight against crime required the participation of parents, traditional and religious leaders, community groups and youth organisations.