The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has vowed to sustain its ongoing withdrawal of medical services over what it described as the worsening insecurity in the state, insisting that its abducted member must be rescued unhurt before doctors return to work.
The association said the strike action would continue indefinitely until the doctor, who was kidnapped in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, is safely released.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, and the State Secretary, Dr. Iluobe Inegbenosun, condemned the prevailing security situation and called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently overhaul the state’s security architecture.
According to the association, the proposed restructuring should prioritise the integration of local vigilante groups into formal security arrangements, backed by strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to effectively tackle the rising wave of insecurity across the state.
Dr. Oseghale said the decision to extend the service withdrawal was taken after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, stressing that the safety of healthcare workers and the general public must not be compromised.
“We insist that the security of lives and property is paramount and should not be taken lightly. Our member who was abducted in Auchi must be released unhurt. Until then, we will continue the withdrawal of our services,” he said.
He added that the continued strike was necessary not only to secure the release of the kidnapped doctor but also to draw attention to the broader security challenges confronting Edo State.
The NMA chairman also expressed concern over what he described as the intimidation of doctors in the state, warning that such actions could further escalate the dispute.
The association urged the Edo State Government to demonstrate, as a matter of urgency, a clear commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that the crisis could deepen if decisive action is not taken.
It further warned that private medical practitioners in the state may join the strike if there is no speedy resolution to the matter, a development that could significantly worsen access to healthcare services in Edo State.
Support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid gathered momentum on Wednesday as the Tinubu Impact Movement (TIM) publicly endorsed his leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling what it described as an evidence-based scorecard of the administration’s performance across key sectors.
At a well-attended press conference in Abuja, leaders of the movement presented a midterm assessment of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that the administration’s early and often difficult reforms are beginning to deliver measurable gains in governance, economic stability and social welfare.
Speaking at the event, TIM’s National Chairman, Chief Dr. Obinna Ebirim, said the group’s endorsement was anchored on verifiable data rather than partisan sentiment, stressing that the Tinubu administration had confronted deep-seated structural challenges inherited at inception.
According to him, reforms in public finance, energy pricing and foreign exchange management were deliberate corrective measures taken in the long-term national interest.
“Our assessment shows clearly that these were not arbitrary or reckless choices. They were necessary decisions whose positive cumulative effects are now evident across multiple sectors,” Ebirim said.
He added that TIM would continue to track policy outcomes, engage the administration constructively and bridge what he described as a “dangerous communication gap” that allows misinformation and negative narratives to dominate public discourse.
Highlighting achievements in the education sector, TIM National Secretary and educationist, Dr. Ajibola Meraiyebu, said President Tinubu inherited a system plagued by chronic underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure and a growing population of out-of-school children.
He noted that education funding has increased from about ₦1.54 trillion in 2023 to approximately ₦3.52 trillion by 2025, marking what he described as a significant policy shift.
Meraiyebu also cited the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), disclosing that ₦161.97 billion has been disbursed to 864,798 students across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.
“This intervention alone has kept hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students in school who might otherwise have dropped out,” he said, describing the scheme as a landmark move toward equity and sustainability in tertiary education financing.
From a subnational perspective, TIM’s Borno State Coordinator, Muhammad Elzubairu, pointed to expanded TETFund interventions supporting the rehabilitation of lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels and research facilities, as well as improved UBEC matching grants, teacher training and curriculum reforms focused on digital literacy, technical skills and entrepreneurship.
On the economy, TIM Director of Finance, Mr. Omasirichi Nmecha, acknowledged the hardship associated with fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification but argued that the reforms were unavoidable.
He said the elimination of unsustainable subsidy payments, combined with improved revenue mobilisation and forex reforms, has resulted in higher FAAC allocations to states, improved fiscal transparency, stronger external reserves and renewed investor confidence.
“These are the foundations for long-term economic stability, even as inflationary pressures from the transition are gradually easing,” Nmecha said.
Addressing security, Edward Ndahi, Director of TIM’s Security Committee, said Nigeria before May 29, 2023, was characterised by widespread abductions, terror attacks and unsafe highways. He attributed recent improvements to sustained security sector reforms, enhanced intelligence gathering, better inter-agency coordination and improved welfare for security personnel.
According to him, these efforts have led to reduced incidents of mass abductions, increased rescue operations, disruption of criminal networks and safer travel along major transport corridors.
On sports development, TIM Director of Social and Events, Okome Edrin, said the administration prioritised institutional stability over ad-hoc interventions, noting improved funding frameworks, better athlete welfare and stronger governance structures. He also commended the decision to place sports solely under the National Sports Commission, separate from youth development.
Presenting the youth development scorecard, Mr. Stanley Ochoma said the administration inherited weak coordination, skills mismatches and limited access to finance for young people. He highlighted expanded digital and vocational training programmes, youth-focused credit schemes and stronger public-private partnerships.
Similarly, a TIM member and former Anambra State governorship aspirant, High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, cited initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA), Yo! Health, YouthCred and the Waste2Wealth circular economy programme. Both speakers praised President Tinubu’s decision to appoint a young minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, describing the ministry as one of the administration’s standout performers.
On reforms in the interior sector, Otunba Akinsanya Sunday, Director of Logistics and Transportation, said issues such as passport backlogs, overcrowded correctional facilities and weak emergency response systems were being addressed through automation, correctional decongestion, improved border management and faster fire service response times under the leadership of Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Speaking on women, social protection and inclusion, TIM’s Jigawa-based Women Leader, Hajiya Amina Dogonyaro, said reforms have strengthened digital verification systems, improved cash transfer efficiency, expanded livelihood support and increased women’s participation in governance.
On healthcare, TIM member and APC chieftain in Enugu State, Basil Eze, noted expanded health insurance coverage, renewed investment in primary healthcare, incentives for local pharmaceutical production and a gradual reduction in medical tourism.
Addressing foreign affairs and investment, Arc. Stephen Otalike, Director of Recruitment and Mobilisation, said renewed diplomatic engagement, clearer policy direction and fiscal reforms have improved Nigeria’s global image and attracted fresh foreign direct investment commitments.
On ICT-driven governance, Hauwa Malami, Director of ICT and Public Communications, highlighted the rollout of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), also known as the 1-Government (1-Gov) Cloud, noting its impact on passport processing, education financing, health insurance enrolment, social registers and revenue tracking.
In his closing remarks, Ebirim said the performance outlined by TIM reflects a coherent and long-term reform agenda, adding that significant progress had also been recorded in the solid minerals sector under the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has introduced a dual-certificate graduation policy designed to equip students with both academic qualifications and entrepreneurial skills, as it matriculated 1,644 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, announced the policy at the institution’s 21st matriculation ceremony held at the university auditorium, describing the initiative as a strategic step towards producing well-rounded, economically relevant graduates.
According to him, the dual-certification framework reflects the university’s commitment to combining academic excellence with entrepreneurship training in response to the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Prof. Akindele said the matriculation ceremony was more than a formal ritual, but a defining milestone in the academic, moral and spiritual journey of the students.
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is a crossing of thresholds. You were admitted not by chance, but by purpose, in line with the founding vision of this university,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the new intake, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university admitted a total of 1,644 students, comprising 286 postgraduate students and 1,358 undergraduates. The undergraduate cohort, he said, included 1,236 candidates admitted through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and 122 Direct Entry students.
He explained that the matriculating students had been designated the “Remarkable Set,” not as a mark of instant distinction, but as a reflection of the values the university expects them to uphold.
“To be remarkable means to stand out by values, not by noise; to excel by discipline, not by shortcuts; and to shine by integrity, not by compromise,” Akindele said.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Redeemer’s University places equal premium on knowledge, character and faith, stressing that intellectual development without moral discipline could be dangerous.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are intellectually sound, morally upright and spiritually grounded. Knowledge without character is dangerous, and faith without excellence is incomplete,” he stated.
He urged the new students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution by demonstrating excellence in learning, discipline, character, faith and societal impact, while reaffirming the university’s mission of raising competent scholars, responsible leaders and globally relevant citizens.
Akindele also reminded the students that Redeemer’s University is a Christian institution, noting that chapel attendance is compulsory and aimed at fostering spiritual growth and alignment with divine purpose.
Describing the matriculation oath as a binding commitment rather than a mere formality, he charged the students to adhere strictly to the university’s rules and core values.
“The friends you keep will influence you, your choices will shape you, and your discipline will define you,” he cautioned.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the matriculation oath by the University Registrar, Mr. David Akintola, formally admitting the students into the academic community of Redeemer’s University.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to combat illegal investment schemes, capital market abuses and cryptocurrency-related frauds, in a renewed effort to protect investors and restore confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
Agama said the SEC, as the regulator of Nigeria’s capital market, is mandated to protect investors, ensure fair, efficient and transparent markets, and support economic growth through effective regulation, licensing of operators and market surveillance. However, he noted that these efforts are increasingly threatened by fraudulent operators who exploit regulatory gaps and prey on unsuspecting members of the public.
According to him, many of the perpetrators operate outside the formal financial system, luring victims with promises of unrealistic returns, often disguised as cryptocurrency or forex investments.
“These operators cloak their deceit in the glamorous but poorly understood language of cryptocurrency and forex trading, promising returns such as 200 per cent in 30 days. They target the vulnerable and unsuspecting, leaving behind shattered lives, depleted pensions and broken trust,” Agama said.
He described investment fraud as not only a financial crime but a social menace capable of undermining public confidence in the entire financial system.
Agama stressed that while the SEC has the authority to identify regulatory breaches and illegal market activities, effective enforcement requires the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the police. He observed that fraudsters often exploit the gap between regulatory detection and law enforcement action.
“To close this gap permanently, we propose a robust and institutionalised collaboration,” he said, outlining key pillars of the partnership to include a joint intelligence and operations task force, capacity building and knowledge transfer, streamlined enforcement processes, and a coordinated national public awareness campaign.
The SEC boss advocated the establishment of a dedicated SEC–NPF team combining market intelligence, forensic accounting expertise and investigative capacity to serve as a rapid-response unit against emerging financial crimes.
He also sought the approval of the IGP to formalise collaboration with the Police Cyber Security Unit through a Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at enhancing the safety of Nigeria’s digital and financial space.
“The fight against financial crime is a fight for the soul of our economy. It is a fight for the widow who has lost her savings, the youth lured by fake crypto promises, and the retiree seeking a safe return. Together, the SEC and the Police can form an impenetrable shield against these crimes,” Agama said.
In his response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured the SEC of the NPF’s readiness to deepen collaboration and provide the necessary support to strengthen enforcement efforts.
He described the role of the SEC as critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, noting that effective enforcement in the capital market would yield significant benefits for the economy.
“If the police unit attached to the SEC is strengthened, it will make a significant impact on your enforcement drive. Effective enforcement is key to achieving your objectives and ensuring confidence in the capital market,” Egbetokun said.
The IGP also congratulated the SEC on the recent attainment of a ₦100 trillion market capitalisation milestone, describing it as a major achievement that would support economic growth and development.
On the proposed collaboration, Egbetokun said the Police Force fully supports the initiative and approved the SEC’s request to partner with the NPF Cyber Security Centre to enhance oversight and enforcement in the digital space.
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, foiling kidnapping attempts, rescuing abducted victims and arresting suspects linked to murder and other fatal incidents across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led policing and proactive strategies under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna.
According to the police, a kidnapping attempt was foiled on January 11, 2026, at Budo via Bassi Camp in Iseyin, where about five armed men abducted a 60-year-old man, Isiaku Saidu.
Following the incident, CP Haruna ordered an immediate rescue operation, leading to coordinated patrols and bush-combing by operatives of the Ago-Are Police Division and other security agencies.
“The kidnappers’ hideout was discovered, and a gun duel ensued. One suspect was neutralised, another arrested and is currently assisting investigations, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” Olayinka said, urging the public to report anyone seen with suspicious bullet injuries.
In another operation, police rescued a kidnapped woman, Hussinat Abubakar, at Gelede Camp in Komu. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Komu Division carried out aggressive bush-combing operations that led to her rescue without any ransom being paid.
Three suspects — Kari Ibrahim (22), Dure Jimoh (25) and Abubakar Sidi (55) — were arrested in connection with the abduction and reportedly confessed to the crime. Six expended cartridges were recovered at the scene, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. The rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention.
In a separate incident, the Command arrested a suspect over the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki. Police said the student died from a gunshot wound sustained during a violent clash among students behind the institution on January 7, 2026.
“A suspect, Olatunji David Segun, has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police said.
The police also confirmed the arrest of Waheed Rasaki, 35, in connection with a fatal hunting incident at Oretan Ijaiye Forest, Moniya. Rasaki reportedly admitted to mistakenly shooting his colleague, Femi Oyedepom, during a hunting expedition.
Commending the officers involved, CP Haruna praised their bravery and professionalism, describing the operations as critical to restoring public confidence in security.
He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their continued support, assuring residents that the Command remains resolute in maintaining law and order.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support the police by reporting suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Command’s control room numbers.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved key infrastructure, education and revenue-related measures aimed at fast-tracking development of the nation’s capital at its first meeting of 2026.
Briefing journalists after the meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr. Chidi Amadi, said the council considered and approved five critical memoranda after extensive deliberations, describing the session as a strong foundation for the administration’s 2026 agenda.
“This is the first meeting of the FCT Administration in 2026 and it was chaired by the Honourable Minister himself. At the end of the meeting, council received and approved five critical memos, all targeted at driving the development of the capital city,” Amadi said.
He also commended the media for its support in 2025, expressing optimism for stronger collaboration in the new year.
Education Boost: N62m Approved for Korea Model School
On the education sector, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced that EXCO approved a N62 million contract for facility management services at the Korea Model School in Abuja.
The high-tech school, built between 2018 and 2019 by the Korean Government in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), was handed over to the FCT Administration in 2019.
Hayyo said the contract, which will run for one year, will ensure effective management and maintenance of the school, which serves as a benchmark for quality education in the FCT.
Roads, Water Infrastructure Ratified
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, disclosed that EXCO ratified three major emergency projects already executed by the authority.
He said the projects include the rehabilitation and resurfacing of internal roads within the Presidential Villa, which had been in use for over 30 years before being upgraded by Julius Berger Plc.
EXCO also ratified the emergency construction of the Kabusa-Ketti Road, undertaken due to rising security concerns linked to the road’s deplorable state. The road, completed and commissioned in June 2025, was approved at a final cost of N9.8 billion.
In addition, the council approved the erosion control and restoration of critical water pipelines supplying Abuja from the Lower Usuma Dam. The project, executed by SCC Nigeria Limited at about N1.7 billion, was aimed at preventing a potential disruption of water supply to the city.
Revenue Enforcement Gets EXCO Nod
On revenue generation, the Director of Lands, Mr. Chijoke Nwankwoeze, said EXCO approved enforcement actions against property owners who have defaulted on ground rents, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees and land use conversion charges.
He disclosed that enforcement would commence next week and would include revocation of land titles, sealing of properties and other lawful measures.
“Defaulters in areas such as Wuse II, Garki Areas 7 and 8 and other locations are hereby notified to comply or face enforcement,” Nwankwoeze warned.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Michael Ango, also urged residents to meet their tax and statutory obligations, stressing that internally generated revenue is vital to sustaining world-class infrastructure in Abuja.
“The Honourable Minister is committed to providing a livable, modern capital city. But this can only be achieved if residents pay their taxes, ground rents and statutory fees,” Ango said.
Officials said the approvals and directives underscore the FCT Administration’s renewed focus on infrastructure renewal, quality service delivery and fiscal discipline, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence enforcement actions next week against property owners who default on ground rents, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees and land use conversion charges, following approval by the FCT Executive Council (EXCO).
The Director of Land Administration, FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the first EXCO meeting of the year held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Nwankwoeze said the council reviewed a comprehensive compliance report on outstanding land-related payments and resolved that defaulters would face sanctions, including revocation of land titles, sealing of properties and other lawful enforcement measures.
He explained that in 2025, the FCTA reviewed properties in default across strategic locations such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Areas 7 and 8 in Garki, among others, where lands allocated strictly for residential purposes were illegally converted to commercial use.
“These were clear violations of the terms and conditions of the grant of Rights of Occupancy,” he said. “However, after assessing the realities on ground and conducting thorough analysis, the FCTA approved the conversions in line with planning standards.”
According to him, letters of conveyance and approvals were issued to affected allottees with specific payments attached, but while some complied, others failed to do so despite repeated reminders and public notices in national newspapers and electronic media.
“After reviewing the compliance rate, council felt there was a need for enforcement,” Nwankwoeze stated. “From next week, the FCTA will begin enforcement actions. Those still in default are hereby advised to comply or face the consequences.”
He stressed that the revenue drive is critical to sustaining Abuja as a world-class capital city, noting that funds generated from ground rents, C-of-O fees and land use conversion charges are essential for infrastructure development and social service delivery.
Recalling similar enforcement actions carried out last year, Nwankwoeze said they yielded significant compliance. “People never expected it, but shortly after, many came forward to pay. That exercise showed that enforcement works,” he noted.
He warned that compliance is continuous, stressing that previous payment does not excuse fresh defaults. “If you paid last year and default again, enforcement will still apply. Whether you are in Phase One or Phase Two districts, owing is owing,” he said.
The director also pointed out that some developed properties still operate without valid Certificates of Occupancy, while others earn commercial income without meeting their statutory obligations to the FCTA.
“Land allocated for residential purposes but converted to banks or offices attracts different charges. You cannot collect commercial rent and refuse to pay what is due to the FCTA,” he added.
Emphasising fairness and transparency, Nwankwoeze said no individual or organisation would be exempt from the enforcement exercise.
“This is a system-driven process. Once your name comes up as owing, it comes up—whether you are a government agency, corporate body, private individual or even a minister’s associate. There are no exceptions,” he said.
He urged residents and property owners to take advantage of the window to regularise their status and support the administration’s vision of a well-planned, well-maintained and globally competitive capital city.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion of more than 2,000 staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The promotion followed the completion of promotion examinations conducted between November 25 and November 29, 2025.
Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the affected officers cut across 165 cadres within the FCTA and FCDA.
Ezeh described the approval as a reflection of the minister’s commitment to staff welfare, institutional efficiency and career progression within the FCT public service. He assured civil servants that promotion examinations would now be held regularly and in line with established timelines.
He advised officers aspiring for advancement in the 2025 and 2026 exercises to begin early preparation, stressing that promotions would continue to be merit-driven and based on diligence and hard work.
The commission chairman also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the use of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for promotion examinations, noting that the digital platform approved by the FCT minister would further strengthen transparency, credibility and efficiency in the promotion process.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that far-reaching reforms aimed at improving their welfare are underway and already receiving backing at the highest levels of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, assuring them that 2026 would usher in tangible improvements in welfare conditions across the Armed Forces.
He noted that the Defence Headquarters was not only focused on the welfare of serving personnel but also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly in the area of sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
With the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the CDS disclosed that the Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at reduced interest rates, aimed at supporting viable businesses, promoting family stability and guaranteeing long-term income for military families.
General Oluyede also revealed ongoing efforts to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, steady sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of service.
Drawing inspiration from Liverpool Football Club’s famous anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the CDS assured troops that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel.
He commended officers and men for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices, patience and prayers sustain the morale of the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening the welfare, morale and operational capacity of the military, while also commending the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to allow personnel to relax, reflect and celebrate, while also honouring fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire the Armed Forces.
The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and was attended
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday marked his 61st birthday by granting pardon to seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional centres across the state.
The gesture, described as an act of compassion and humane leadership, was carried out through the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy.
The pardon builds on an earlier clemency granted on January 1, 2026, when Aiyedatiwa approved the release of 77 convicts following recommendations by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the government, the seven beneficiaries were selected after thorough assessments which confirmed genuine remorse, good conduct, commitment to rehabilitation and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.
The latest release, the state said, reflects the governor’s belief in restorative justice, prison decongestion and the importance of offering second chances to reformed offenders.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and Attorney-General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for what he described as a thoughtful and progressive decision.
Ajulo said the action reaffirmed the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to balancing justice with mercy, reforming the justice system and fostering a society where redemption remains possible.
