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Illegal miners, drug offenders among 175 pardoned by Tinubu (See FULL LIST)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Illegal miners, drug offenders among 175 pardoned by Tinubu (See FULL LIST)

The Presidency has provided more details on the recent clemency and pardons approved by President Bola Tinubu for some Nigerians, including posthumous forgiveness for historical figures and reduced sentences for inmates who showed remorse and reform.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the decision was based on reports indicating that many of the convicts had demonstrated remorse and good conduct.

The statement reads: “Details of The Presidential Pardon and Clemency

“Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa,  Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba,  capital offenders such as  Maryam Sanda,  Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday.

“President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct. He forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.

“In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died. The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

“Prince Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MERCY

PARDONED
1. Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.

2. Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.

3. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud

4. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case

5. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

6. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.

POSTHUMOUS PARDON

7. Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.

8. Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot

POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE

9. Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder

10. Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder

11. Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder

12. Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder

13. Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder

14. Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder

15. Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder

16. Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder

17. John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder

VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:

Chief Albert Badey

Chief Edward Kobaru
Chief Samuel Orage
Chief Theophilus Orage

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PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY
Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail
1.   Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015
2.   Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.
3.   Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023
4.   Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023
5.   Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.
6.   Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol.
7.   Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri
8.   Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.
9.   Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri
10.   Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to  14 years for theft. Had served eight years.
11.   Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri.
12.   Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018  to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. Had served six years in jail
13.   Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
14.   Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
15.   Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023
16.   Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016  to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail.
17.   Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022
18.   Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.
19.   Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022  to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.
20.   Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.
21.   Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.
22.   Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017  for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail.
23.   Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022  to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.
24.   Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.
25.   Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to  5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison

26. Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.

27.   Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison
28. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison
29. Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp
30. Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol.
31. Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramadol
32. Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison
33. Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.
34. Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs

35.  Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison
36.   John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism

37.   Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, & Heroin.
38.   Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession  of Indian hemp & other drugs
39.   Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. Had spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison
40.   Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024  to 3 years for unlawful mining.

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41.   Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
42.   Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
43.   Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
44.   Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
45.   Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
46.   Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
47.   Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
48.   Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
49.   Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
50.   Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
51.   Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
52.   Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
53.   Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.
54.   Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
55.   Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
56.   Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
57.   Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
58.   Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
59.   Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
60.   Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
61.   Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
62.   Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
63.   Zahradeen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
64. Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024
65. Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
66. Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
67. Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
68. Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
69. Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
70. Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
71. Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
72. Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
73. Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
74. Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
75. Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
76. Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
77. Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
78. Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
79. Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
80. Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

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NB: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

81. Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,
82. Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.  Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.

LIST OF INMATES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
1. Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015  for Manslaughter. Had spent 10 years at Kirikiri.Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

2. Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for Manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

3. Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for Armed robbery & possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years based on good conduct

4. Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for Corrupt Practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health

5. Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for Culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health.

6. Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

7. Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

8. Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years

9. Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

10. Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

11. Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

12. Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million  for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years

13. Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

14. Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

15. Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.

16. Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug. The sentence was reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and advanced age.

17. Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.

18. Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.

19. Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

20. Alh. Ibrahim Hameed. Aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years.

21. Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

22. Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

23. Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years.

24. Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years.

25. Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

26. Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

27. Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

28. Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years.

29. Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.

30. Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years

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 31. Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

32. Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for Culpable Homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

33. Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.
34. Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian Hemp. Has already spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi Custodial centre. Jail term reduced to six years.
35. Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.
36. Ada Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and had spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age.

37. Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.
38. Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years for showing remorsefulness and attending the National Open University.
39. Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and had spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years, based on good conduct and attendance at the National Open University.

40. Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He had spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years.

41. Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and advanced age.

42. Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health

43. Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He had spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

44. Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct.

45. Oladele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is spending the term at Suleja.

46. Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct

47. Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years.

48. Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years.

49. Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.

50. Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years.

51. John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills.

Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years.

53. Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years.

54. Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness.

55. Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He had served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the Initial Sentence has been reduced to five years.

56. Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived.

57.       Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a Fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

58.       Shina Alolo,   42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years.

59.        Joshua Iwiki, aged 50:  Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M  for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. A N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison.

60.        David Akinseye, aged 44:  Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years & N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived.

61.    Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years & N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived.

62.   Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others.

63.  Adamole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years & a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived.

64. Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

65. Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve from President Tinubu.

List of Inmates on Death Row Reduced to Life Imprisonment

1. Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness.

2. Emmanuel Gladstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and had spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse.

3. Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51:  sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and had spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, citing the individual’s good conduct and remorse.

4.       Abubakar Usman, aged 59: Sentenced to Death in 2014 and had spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct.

5. Khalifa Umar, aged 37: Sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

6. Benjamin Ekeze, age 40. Sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and had spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life.

7. Mohammed Umar, 43: Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and had spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.”

Illegal miners, drug offenders among 175 pardoned by Tinubu (See FULL LIST)

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Tension as Kidnappers Threaten to Kill Abducted Oyo Corps Members

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Oyo Corps Members Abductors Demand ₦950m Ransom, Threaten to Kill Victims

Tension as Kidnappers Threaten to Kill Abducted Oyo Corps Members

The families of 19 prospective corps members from Oyo State abducted in Imo State are facing a ₦950 million ransom demand, with the kidnappers reportedly threatening to kill the victims if the money is not paid.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked their vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, after the buses reportedly left Ibadan the previous day. The travellers had encountered delays on the journey and spent the night in Anambra State before continuing towards Imo.

According to accounts from relatives and the transport company, the attackers emerged from the bush near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, blocked the vehicles and forced some of the passengers into the surrounding bush.

The kidnappers later contacted some of the victims’ families using the abducted persons’ phones and demanded ₦50 million for each victim, bringing the reported ransom demand to ₦950 million.

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The development has heightened anxiety among the victims’ families, particularly after the abductors allegedly issued threats against the captives.

One relative reportedly said a family member was able to see some of the abducted graduates during a video call initiated by the kidnappers. The victims were allegedly seen sitting on the ground in a bush location.

Another family member said one of the abducted prospective corps members managed to send a brief message to a family WhatsApp group before communication was lost.

The affected families have appealed to the Imo State Government, Oyo State Government, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.

The parents also reportedly sought the intervention of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, after visiting him in Ibadan to seek assistance over the abduction.

The incident has also prompted increased security operations in the area, with security agencies deploying personnel and tactical teams to search for the victims and track the suspected kidnappers.

The Imo State Police Command said 10 people had been rescued following the attack, while efforts were continuing to establish the full number of people still in captivity.

There have been conflicting reports about the number of prospective corps members abducted. While several reports put the figure at 19, some accounts from relatives have referred to 20 victims and a ransom demand of about ₦1 billion. Authorities have continued efforts to establish the precise number of people taken during the attack.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also strengthened the security operation in Imo State, with senior police officers deployed to coordinate efforts aimed at rescuing the remaining victims.

The abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly those travelling long distances across states for the mandatory national service programme.

The families are now waiting for the safe return of their relatives as security agencies continue the search for the abducted Oyo corps members.

Tension as Kidnappers Threaten to Kill Abducted Oyo Corps Members

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Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

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Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

More than 1,000 members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing dissatisfaction with their political experience in the state.

The defectors formally joined the APC at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Friday, October 2, 2026.

They were led by APM chieftain Mustapha Kazeem, popularly known as Oba Oluyole, and received by Oyo State APC Chairman, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, alongside members of the party’s state executive committee. (The Times)

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Kazeem said their decision followed what he described as a series of experiences while supporting the administration and political structure associated with Governor Seyi Makinde.

He alleged that some supporters had not received adequate recognition for their loyalty and sacrifices, while accusing members of Makinde’s political structure in Oluyole of victimising members of his group.

Kazeem said the situation eventually convinced them to leave the APM and join the Oyo APC, declaring that they had reached a point where they could no longer pretend about their dissatisfaction.

He described the APC as a platform through which the defectors could pursue their political interests and said they were no longer willing to remain within what he described as “deceit and propaganda.”

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The allegations against Makinde’s political structure were made by the defectors and were not independently established in the report.

Receiving the new members, the Oyo APC chairman welcomed them into the party and presented brooms to them as a symbol of their formal admission.

Adeyemo urged the defectors to put their previous political differences behind them and participate actively in the activities of the APC in Oyo State.

The defection comes amid increasing political realignments in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties and their supporters seeking to strengthen their structures and mobilise members across the state.

The latest movement also comes against the backdrop of continuing discussions among opposition politicians over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

An APM chieftain, Oluwaseun Adeloro, recently argued that opposition parties still had an opportunity to work towards a common presidential candidate.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Adeloro said opposition politicians could still reach an agreement despite the separate ambitions of major political figures.

He specifically mentioned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi while discussing the challenges of reaching a consensus.

Adeloro also expressed support for Governor Seyi Makinde as a possible consensus candidate and defended Makinde’s proposal for a four-year “reset” of Nigeria.

The latest APM-to-APC defection in Oyo adds to the political activity already underway ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For the defectors, the move marks a shift from the APM to the APC, while the allegations they cited concerning their treatment within Makinde’s political structure remain their stated reasons for leaving.

Over 1,000 APM Members Defect to APC in Oyo

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Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

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Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car
FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine

Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a man identified as Zayyanu Halilu after he was allegedly caught sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl inside a car in Abuja.

Halilu was arrested on Friday, October 2, 2026, by operatives of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit during a routine patrol at the Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja.

According to the police, officers became suspicious after noticing a fully tinted navy-blue Volkswagen parked at the location with its windows wound up. The vehicle was reportedly shaking, prompting the officers to approach and inspect it.

The officers allegedly opened the vehicle and found the suspect with the 12-year-old child, leading to his immediate arrest and the rescue of the girl.

The child was subsequently taken for medical attention, while the suspect was detained for investigation.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had allegedly taken the girl to the same location on previous occasions and sexually abused her.

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The Command further alleged that the suspect had threatened the child with harm if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.

A medical examination, according to the police, subsequently showed that the child was about three months pregnant. She remains under medical care and is undergoing further assessment.

The police said the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.

The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to pay close attention to the safety, welfare and whereabouts of children under their care.

The Command also urged residents to report suspicious activities involving children or other vulnerable persons to the police.

The latest incident has again highlighted concerns about child sexual abuse and the protection of minors in Abuja. Under Nigerian law, allegations involving sexual offences against children are subject to investigation and prosecution, and suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The identity of the child has not been disclosed in keeping with the need to protect the privacy and welfare of a minor allegedly involved in a sexual-abuse case.

Police Arrest Man Caught Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl in Car

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