Kogi Governor Ododo frees 101 inmates, including convicted rapists, murderers

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has pardoned convicted rapists and murderers amid deepening fears of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ododo announced pardons and other forms of executive clemency for 101 inmates and convicts in a speech marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary last Thursday. He said the decision was anchored in the constitutional prerogative of mercy and guided by considerations of rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest and justice.

Some beneficiaries, including Husseini Mustapha and Olusaye Moses Abayomi, were convicted of serious offences such as rape and murder. A court document obtained by Peoples Gazette showed Mustapha, 94th on the list, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025.

“I hereby convict you, Husseini Mustapha, of the offence of rape contrary to section 31(2) of the Child Rights Law of Kogi State, 2009,” Justice H.E. Yesufu said in her judgement.

Mustapha was pardoned despite an appeal challenging his conviction. Abayomi, 96th on the list, had his sentence remitted to three years from the date of conviction.

Political observers argued that indiscriminately pardoned criminals are often recruited by desperate politicians to disrupt peace and order.