By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 1, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has granted executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts across the state as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor announced the decision on Thursday, October 1, during his Independence Day address to the people of Kogi State, describing the exercise as an application of the constitutional prerogative of mercy.
According to the governor, the beneficiaries comprise 94 inmates granted mercy on various humanitarian and rehabilitative grounds, while seven others received remission of their sentences.
Ododo said the decision followed a review by the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which was inaugurated on September 2, 2026, to consider cases and make recommendations on the exercise of executive clemency.
The council, chaired by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, reportedly examined inmates’ records, considered representations made on their behalf, reviewed correctional reports and visited custodial centres across Kogi State.
The facilities visited included those in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
In determining the beneficiaries, the council considered several factors, including the age and health conditions of inmates, the nature of their offences, the time already served, conduct while in custody, evidence of remorse, rehabilitation efforts 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 account of old age and medical conditions were 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 inmates whose sentences were remitted were Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
Ododo stressed that the exercise should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the offences committed by the beneficiaries. Rather, he said, it reflected the possibility of rehabilitation and reintegration into society where circumstances justify the exercise of mercy.
He urged the beneficiaries to regard the decision as an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their families and communities.
The governor also appealed to young people and other residents to stay away from criminal activities, specifically warning against kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and drug-related offences.
He identified poverty, peer pressure and the pursuit of quick wealth as factors that should not be used to justify criminal conduct, urging residents to embrace education, hard work, enterprise and integrity.
Ododo further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and youth groups to support efforts to prevent crime and promote safer communities.
The latest exercise follows the establishment of the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in September. The council was set up under the constitutional framework governing the governor’s authority to grant pardon, respite or commutation of sentences for offences under state laws.
Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, commemorating the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960.