Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted prerogative of mercy to 77 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Thursday in Akure.
The pardon, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, followed the recommendation of the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
The statement said that the beneficiaries were selected after a careful and comprehensive review process by the council.
The statement said that the council considered factors such as the nature of offences committed, length of time already served, and conduct and behaviour while in custody.
Others were age, health status, level of rehabilitation, prospects for reintegration into society, as well as reports from correctional and legal authorities.
“In commemoration of the Jan. 1, 2026 New Year celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr governor,” the statement said.
It said that the governor approved the recommendations after due consideration of each case.
The statement explained that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 inmates, while 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed terms.
It added that four inmates had their life sentences reduced to 25 years, 14 inmates to 20 years, 15 inmates to 15 years, six inmates to 10 years, while the sentences of four other inmates were commuted to lesser terms of imprisonment.
The statement described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to justice sector reforms by the governor.
It said that the move would also help to decongest correctional facilities and encourage rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed inmates into the society.