Gov Ododo pardons 91-year-old convict, 100 inmates
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has granted executive clemency to 91-year-old Lamidi Mohammed Garuba and 100 other inmates as part of the celebrations for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. He urged the recipients to embrace this second chance.
The clemency for Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, who is 91 years old, was granted on medical grounds.
Governor Ododo announced this decision during his Independence Day address to the people of the state on Thursday.
He explained that the exercise was carried out in accordance with the constitutional prerogative of mercy and was guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest, and justice.
The governor emphasised that this decision is significant, as Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary symbolises freedom, responsibility, and the hope of building a better society for future generations.
He stressed that justice should be balanced with compassion, noting that a society committed to justice must also recognise rehabilitation and the possibility of redemption for individuals who show genuine remorse and a readiness to lead responsible lives.
Ododo disclosed that he inaugurated the seven-member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026, in accordance with the constitutional framework governing the exercise of the prerogative.
The council, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed relevant case records, considered representations made on behalf of inmates and convicts, examined correctional reports and visited correctional centres across the state.
The facilities visited included correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.
According to the governor, the council considered several factors in arriving at its recommendations, including the age and health of inmates, nature and circumstances of offences, period already served, conduct in custody, remorse, rehabilitation, vocational skills acquired, family and community support, interests of victims, public safety and the broader interests of justice.
He explained that 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy based on factors such as old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and other compassionate considerations, while seven others had their sentences remitted.
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 remitted are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.
Governor Ododo emphasised that the exercise did not diminish the seriousness of the offences for which the beneficiaries were convicted, describing the decision instead as an exercise of constitutional compassion in deserving circumstances.
He urged the beneficiaries to see their release as a fresh responsibility 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,” the governor said.
He urged them to avoid criminal activities and make productive use of the skills, education and lessons acquired during their period of incarceration.
The governor also called on residents, particularly young people, to shun kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug-related offences and other forms of criminality.
He said poverty, peer pressure and the pursuit of quick wealth should not be used as excuses for criminal conduct, stressing that education, hard work, enterprise, integrity and perseverance remained legitimate pathways to a meaningful life.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and strengthening the administration of justice while protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining firm action against criminality.
He urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to support government efforts to combat crime.
“The battle against criminality is not a battle that government can win alone. It is a collective struggle for the soul and future of our communities,” he said.
Ododo Commends Tinubu
The governor also used the Independence Day address to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the courage and vision of his administration in pursuing national renewal.
He said the Federal Government’s focus on economic reforms, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and social investment was aimed at addressing immediate difficulties as well as longstanding structural challenges.
Ododo particularly highlighted the Federal Government’s recently approved deep offshore investment framework, which the Presidency says is expected to unlock up to US$50 billion in new investment and revive major deep offshore developments.
He also cited interventions in education, agriculture, housing, compressed natural gas, domestic refining and other sectors as part of the Federal Government’s broader development agenda.
The governor said Kogi remained aligned with the national aspiration for a stronger, more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
He noted that Kogi’s strategic location at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, alongside its agricultural, mineral and tourism resources, gives the state significant development potential.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, human capital development, rural electrification, mining, tourism and enterprise.
According to him, the administration’s objective is to create a Kogi where opportunities are accessible across communities and where government provides the infrastructure, environment and policies required for citizens to create wealth.
The governor further called for unity among the people of Kogi State, irrespective 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.
He urged citizens to protect the state, invest in its future and give younger generations reasons to remain proud of their heritage.
As Nigeria marked 66 years of independence, Ododo called on Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and remain committed to building a stronger, more productive and prosperous nation.
He congratulated President Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the anniversary, while paying tribute to the country’s founding fathers, soldiers and security personnel serving to protect the nation.
The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to good governance, security, infrastructure development, human capital development, economic empowerment and the creation of opportunities for the people of Kogi State.
“The Nigeria we desire is possible. The Kogi State we desire is possible. But possibility becomes reality only when hope is matched with action,” Ododo said.
