By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
OSOGBO, October 1, 2025 – As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has granted amnesty to 36 convicts serving various sentences in the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.
The proclamation, dated September 24, 2025, was issued under the Governor’s constitutional powers as contained in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Governor Adeleke explained that the amnesty reflects both compassion and justice, noting that the decision was made in the spirit of Independence Day to provide deserving citizens a chance for renewal.
“As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,” the Governor stated, as conveyed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Governor of Osun State.
Beneficiaries of the Amnesty
The pardoned convicts consist of 29 inmates from Ilesa Correctional Centre and 7 inmates from Ile-Ife Correctional Centre, most of whom were convicted of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy and had served substantial portions of their sentences.
This move is expected to not only decongest correctional facilities in Osun State but also provide the beneficiaries with a chance at reintegration into society.
FULL ORIGINAL STATEMENT
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke Grants Amnesty to 36 Convicts to Mark Nigeria’s Independence Day
OSOGBO – 01/10/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng
In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has granted amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.
The gesture, made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
In a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated September 24, 2025, Governor Adeleke declared:
“WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State;
NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.
By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.
AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.”
The beneficiaries of this Independence Day amnesty include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences.
List of Convicts Granted Independence Day Amnesty
From Ilesa Correctional Centre:
- Kehinde Ganiyu
- Isiaka Mohammed
- Oluwatosin Femi
- Adebisi Adeniyi
- Rotimi Paul
- Oyewole Sunday
- Ojo Adewale
- Tajudeen Ridwan
- Jokotola Quadri
- Akinola Taofeek
- Onibukun Adebisi
- Azeez Afeez
- Abdulgafar Quadri
- Udoh Monday O.
- Babawale Saheed
- Olasunkanmi Wasiu
- Adetoro Toheeb
- Mudashiru Lawal
- Ismaila Wahab
- Yinka Oyeniyi
- Olaniyan Taofeek
- Sheu Mumini
- Ololade Bashit
- Musibau Abdulkareem
- Jamiu Sulaeeb
- Jeremiah Ayuba
- Abimbola Samad
- Oladeji Tosin
- Mathew Samuel
From Ile-Ife Correctional Centre:
30. Yusuf Ola
31. Oyedeji Sunday
32. Ojo Olaoluwa
33. Ogunola Rafiu
34. Ayomide Amos
35. Usman Adefisan
36. Adedigba Abiodun
Speaking on the development, Governor Adeleke emphasized that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents:
“As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,” the Governor said.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Governor of Osun State
📌 This report was prepared by Newspot Nigeria as part of its Independence Day special coverage.
