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.

The governor announced the decision during his Independence Day address to the people of Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026, explaining that the exercise was carried out under the constitutional prerogative of mercy.

According to Ododo, the decision was based on considerations including rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and the broader interests of justice.

He said the significance of the exercise was linked to the meaning of Independence Day itself, describing freedom as inseparable from responsibility and the opportunity to build a better society.

The governor stressed that justice should be accompanied by compassion, particularly where convicted persons have demonstrated remorse and made efforts towards rehabilitation.

Council reviewed cases across Kogi

Ododo disclosed that he inaugurated the seven-member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026.

The council, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed the cases presented for consideration before making its recommendations.

The review process included an examination of case records, representations made on behalf of inmates, correctional reports and visits to custodial facilities across Kogi State.

The facilities visited included centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.

The governor said the council considered several factors in reaching its recommendations, including the age and health of inmates, the nature of their offences, time already served, conduct in custody, evidence of remorse, rehabilitation efforts and vocational skills acquired.

The council also considered family and community support, the interests of victims, public safety and the wider requirements of justice.

94 receive mercy, seven get sentence remission

Of the 101 beneficiaries, 94 were granted mercy on grounds including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and other compassionate considerations.

The remaining seven beneficiaries received remission of their sentences.

Among those granted mercy on old-age and medical grounds were 91-year-old Lamidi Mohammed Garuba and 72-year-old Ajagbonna Olufemi David. Other beneficiaries in this category included Yakubu Atabo, Chief Umane Okeme, Saidu Atuluku Yunusa, Hilary Chike Nwaeze, Ebenezer Mopah, Abdullahi Jibril and Usman Ismaila.

Those whose sentences were remitted were listed as Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.

Ododo made it clear that the clemency did not erase the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries had been convicted.

Instead, he described the exercise as an application of constitutional mercy in circumstances where the relevant authorities found grounds for a second chance.

He urged the beneficiaries to return to their families and communities with a renewed sense of responsibility and to make productive use of the education, vocational skills and other lessons acquired during their time in custody.

Governor warns youths against crime

The governor also used the occasion to appeal to young people and other residents to reject criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism and other offences.

He urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to work with government and security agencies in preventing crime.

According to Ododo, the fight against criminality requires cooperation beyond government alone, with communities playing an important role in providing information and supporting efforts to maintain peace.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening the administration of justice while protecting citizens' rights.

Ododo highlights Tinubu administration’s economic plans

In another part of his Independence Day address, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for its economic and development policies.

Ododo pointed to federal initiatives covering areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and social investment.

He specifically referenced the Federal Government's recently approved deep-offshore investment framework, which is designed to create a rules-based structure capable of unlocking up to US$50 billion in new deep-offshore investment.

The Presidency announced the framework in August, saying it would replace project-by-project negotiations with clearer eligibility requirements and implementation rules. It is expected to support major developments beginning with the approximately US$10 billion Bonga South West project.

The governor said Kogi's location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, together with its agricultural, mineral and tourism resources, gives the state significant development opportunities.

He reiterated his administration's focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, human capital development, rural electrification, mining, tourism and enterprise.

Ododo also appealed for unity among Kogi residents across political, religious, ethnic and social lines, stressing that the state remains a common home regardless of changes in political administration.

As Nigeria celebrated 66 years of independence, the governor called on citizens to maintain faith in the country's future and contribute to building a more productive and prosperous nation.

He also paid tribute to Nigeria's founding generation, soldiers and security personnel who continue to serve the country.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia