Kogi State Governor, 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 Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The governor said the decision was based on the constitutional power to grant mercy and was guided by factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, health conditions, humanitarian concerns, public interest and justice.
He said the Independence anniversary was a reminder of freedom, responsibility and the hope of building a better society.
According to Ododo, justice should be balanced with compassion, especially for people who have shown genuine remorse and are ready to return to responsible living.
The governor disclosed that he inaugurated the seven member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026. The council is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi.
He said the council reviewed the cases of the inmates, considered representations made on their behalf and examined correctional reports. Members also visited correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
The council considered factors including the age and health of the inmates, the nature of their offences, time already spent in custody, behaviour in prison, remorse, rehabilitation, skills acquired, family support, the interests of victims and public safety.
Ododo said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy based on factors including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and compassionate considerations.
Seven others had their sentences reduced.
Those granted mercy on old age and medical grounds include 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 reduced are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
The governor stressed that the pardon did not mean the offences committed by the beneficiaries were no longer serious.
He urged them to see the decision as a second chance and return to their families and communities as responsible citizens.
“You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,” Ododo said.
He urged the beneficiaries to avoid crime and make good use of the skills and education they acquired while in custody.
The governor also called on young people in Kogi State to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug related offences and other forms of crime.
He said poverty, peer pressure and the desire to make quick money should not be used as excuses for criminal activities.
Ododo further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support government efforts to fight crime.
He said the government could not win the battle against criminality alone, describing it as a collective responsibility.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in areas including economic reforms, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Kogi State through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, mining, tourism and human capital development.
He also called for unity among the people of Kogi State, regardless of political, religious, ethnic or social differences.
“Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go. But Kogi State will remain our common home,” he said.
Ododo urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue working towards building a stronger and more prosperous country as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence.
—By Femi Fabunmi
