Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted prerogative of mercy to 77 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The clemency, which took effect from January 1, 2026, followed recommendations by the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
According to the statement, the beneficiaries were selected after a thorough review process that considered factors such as the nature of offences committed, length of time already served, conduct while in custody, age, health status, level of rehabilitation and prospects for reintegration into society.
It added that reports from correctional and legal authorities were also taken into account before the recommendations were made.
The statement noted that the council recommended a total of 77 inmates for clemency in commemoration of the January 1, 2026 New Year celebration, which was subsequently approved by the governor after careful consideration.
The approved measures included the outright release of 12 inmates, while 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed jail terms.
It further stated 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 others were commuted to lesser terms of imprisonment.
The statement described the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and the governor’s commitment to justice sector reforms, noting that it would also help decongest correctional facilities and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed inmates into society.