Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has granted executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ododo announced the decision in his Independence Day address on Thursday, October 1, 2026, explaining that the gesture was exercised under the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations including rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.
The Governor said the clemency was particularly significant as Nigeria’s Independence anniversary symbolises freedom, responsibility and the hope of building a better future for generations to come.
He stressed that while justice requires accountability for criminal conduct, it must also leave room for rehabilitation and redemption where individuals have demonstrated genuine remorse and a willingness to rebuild their lives.
Ododo disclosed that the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy was inaugurated on September 2, 2026, in line with the constitutional framework governing executive clemency. The seven-member council was chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN.
The Governor said the council reviewed case records, considered representations from inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and conducted visits to correctional facilities across the state, including Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
According to Ododo, the council assessed several factors before making its recommendations, including the beneficiaries’ ages and health conditions, the nature of their offences, time already spent in custody, behaviour while incarcerated, evidence of remorse and rehabilitation, vocational skills acquired, family and community support, victims’ interests and considerations of public safety.
Of the 101 beneficiaries, 94 were granted mercy based on factors such as advanced age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and humanitarian considerations.
The remaining seven beneficiaries received remission of their sentences.
Those granted clemency on old-age and medical grounds include 91-year-old Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 72-year-old Ajagbonna Olufemi David, Yakubu Atabo, Chief Umane Okeme, Saidu Atuluku Yunusa, Hilary Chike Nwaeze, Ebenezer Mopah, Abdullahi Jibril and Usman Ismaila.
The seven inmates whose sentences were reduced through remission are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
Ododo maintained that the exercise did not erase the seriousness of the offences committed by the beneficiaries but represented an opportunity for deserving individuals to demonstrate that they had changed and were prepared to contribute positively to society.
He urged the beneficiaries to treat their release as a fresh responsibility, remain law-abiding and apply the skills and lessons acquired during their time in custody to productive activities.
The Governor also warned young people against criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and drug-related offences.
He said economic hardship, peer influence and the pursuit of quick wealth should not be used to justify criminal behaviour, urging youths to pursue education, legitimate enterprise, hard work and integrity.
Ododo further called for greater collaboration between government, security agencies, families, traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders and youth organisations in tackling insecurity and other forms of criminality.
He said the fight against crime requires collective responsibility, with communities playing an important role in preventing young people from being drawn into criminal networks.
In the wider part of his Independence Day address, the Governor commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic reform agenda and efforts in areas including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and social investment.
Ododo also highlighted the Federal Government’s recently approved deep offshore investment framework, which the Presidency says could attract up to 50 billion dollars in new investments and stimulate activity in major deep offshore developments.
He cited interventions in education, agriculture, housing, compressed natural gas, domestic refining and other sectors as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national economy and address longstanding development challenges.
The Governor said Kogi State remained committed to contributing to the broader national development agenda, noting that its location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, alongside its agricultural, mineral and tourism resources, gives it significant economic potential.
He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, human capital development, rural electrification, mining, tourism and enterprise as key drivers of development across the state.
Ododo said his administration’s objective is to create an environment where residents can access opportunities, build businesses, create wealth and contribute to the growth of their communities.
He also urged Kogi residents to look beyond political, religious, ethnic and social differences and work together to protect the state and secure a better future for younger generations.
As Nigeria marked 66 years of independence, the Governor called on citizens to remain committed to national unity, productivity and development, while congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the anniversary.
He also paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and members of the armed forces and other security agencies who continue to serve in defence of the country.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, security, infrastructure development, human capital investment and economic empowerment as part of efforts to create greater opportunities for the people of Kogi State.
