Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, has shown mercy to 53 prisoners incarcerated in different facilities throughout the state.
These prisoners had been sentenced to varying lengths of incarceration. While some were given death sentences and had been in detention for at least ten years, others had completed significant sections of their sentences.
The state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy recommended that 12 of these prisoners who had committed simple offences be pardoned outright, 30 who had committed simple offences be released outright, four who had committed capital offences be pardoned outright, and one who had committed a capital offence be pardoned on health grounds.
One of the prisoners, Ojekunle Timothy, had served at least ten years in prison and was facing the death penalty.
The spokesperson for the state governor, Olawale Rasheed, signed a statement with these details.
“In accordance with the state advisory council’s recommendation on the prerogative of mercy, I should use my authority with regard to the aforementioned prisoners in order to commemorate Christmas in 2024.”
Following the aforementioned advice, I have made the decision to fully forgive and remit the remaining sentences for the 30 prisoners who were found guilty of trivial offences.
“I have made the decision to completely pardon 12 prisoners who were found guilty of minor infractions in compliance with the aforementioned suggestion. Four prisoners have had their death sentences modified to complete pardons.
In the announcement, the governor stated, “AND WHEREAS, I have decided, in accordance with the said recommendation.”