No fewer than 77 inmates across various correctional centres in Ondo State have been granted clemency by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a move described as a gesture of compassion to mark the new year.
The governor approved the pardons following recommendations submitted by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN. The decision, according to the state government, reflects a deliberate effort to balance justice with mercy.
A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected after a comprehensive assessment of their individual cases.
The governor noted that inmates who have demonstrated genuine remorse and positive behavioural change deserved an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Providing further insight into the exercise, Dr Ajulo disclosed that 12 inmates who exhibited outstanding conduct and had served substantial parts of their jail terms were granted full release.
He added that 22 inmates previously on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment or specific jail terms.
In addition, inmates serving life sentences benefited from sentence reductions, with new terms adjusted to 25, 20, 15, and 10 years, depending on the circumstances of their convictions.
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According to Ajulo, the process followed strict legal and humanitarian considerations.
“In commemoration of the January 1st, 2026, New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.
“In so doing, the Council considered the nature of the offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation and prospects of reintegration and reports from correctional and legal authorities,” Ajulo stated.
The Ondo State Government reiterated its commitment to justice reform, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society as productive citizens.