The All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Ondo State has responded to criticism from the Coalition of All Civil Society Organisations in the State (CACSOD) over recent defections to the party.
APC insists that the defection of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Legislators in the State House of Assembly, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), is a testimony to the good works of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
CACSOD had noted that with all 26 members of the Ondo State House of Assembly now belonging to the APC, the legislature has effectively become “a one-party chamber” incapable of providing the necessary checks and balances in governance.
A statement on Sunday by the APC Director, Media & Publicity, Steve Otaloro described the coalition assertion as misguided.
The statement maintained that “The decision of our new members to join the APC is a testament to the party’s commitment to delivering results and transforming lives.
“It is a validation of the pragmatic governance and pro-people policies of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These leaders have demonstrated a clear commitment to the development of Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We reject the notion that political movement is a betrayal of democratic values. In a competitive polity, elected representatives retain the right to choose the platform that best enables them to serve their constituents.
“To suggest otherwise is to stifle democracy and undermine the will of the people. Also, we take umbrage with CACSOD’s assertion that the absence of opposition equates to the death of democracy.
“This is a myopic view that fails to recognize that democracy thrives on performance, accountability, and the consent of the governed.
“If political actors and parties fail to offer credible leadership, coherent programmes, or measurable results, they forfeit the confidence of their members and supporters.
“We welcome our new members the House Minority Leader, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Akure South 1, and Hon. Oluwatoyin Daodu, from Akoko South West 1 and pledge to treat them with dignity and equity.
“They will be mentored, supported, and given the platform to aspire to any position for which they are suitably qualified. Our doors are open to talent, integrity, and dedication.
“We urge civil society and all well-meaning citizens to judge political developments by their substance and outcomes rather than alarmist rhetoric. The people of Ondo State deserve governance that works – practical, accountable, and results-oriented. The APC remains committed to providing exactly that.”
Following the mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in some States to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is, also, Chairman, PDP Governors Forum has expressed worry.
“I am worried”, he said, and added that the PDP as a Party is not finding things easy politically with these defections.
The Governor spoke at the inauguration of the PDP Convention Communication Sub-committee in Abuja on Saturday.
He stressed that the PDP Governors were working quietly to keep the Party united ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further added that the association of leaders like former President Goodluck Jonathan and the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with the PDP reflects on Nigerians’ continued interest in the Party.
Recall that several PDP leaders have defected to the ruling APC, among them: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori both of whom defected with whole PDP structure in their States. The party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, who is the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa also defected.
Speculations are rife that the PDP Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu is expected to join the APC on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 with the whole Party structure just as it is believed that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is next in line to dump the PDP for the APC.
As the PDP prepares for its National Elective Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, scheduled for November 15–16,
Governor Mohammed stated:
“If you ask me whether I am concerned about our Governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.
“This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing. You know the style of leadership of the APC-led Federal Government in trying to make this country a one-party state.
“They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.
“I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easy because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections.
“Sometimes, it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my Senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the Federal Government were done by PDP regimes.”
Mohammed, however, admonish those planning to leave the party to do so peacefully without tarnishing its image, noting that their exit would open doors for capable Nigerians to join the Party.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has explained that the cost of Lagos- Calabar coastal highway has been carefully computed in line with global engineering standards” and should not be reduced to “political sound bites.
The Minister was reacting to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, following the governor’s public comments questioning the cost per kilometre of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Umahi insisted that the governor “misunderstood the technical details of road construction and cost evaluation.”
Speaking on Saturday during an inspection of the Keffi Bridge and the Nasarawa–Toto Road projects, alongside Governor Abdullahi Sule, Umahi asserted that the cost of the highway, a signature project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, had been “carefully computed in line with global engineering standards” and should not be reduced to “political soundbites.
Governor Makinde, in a viral video on Friday, had questioned the minister’s estimated figures, stating that there was no need for the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to be “dancing around the cost” of the project.
Makinde stated that ““These are elementary questions. And it makes no sense (sic). A process is ongoing, payment has been made, and you are saying, ‘How has this money been utilised?. The money is meant for the project, and it will be paid according to the work done.”
Responding to the criticism, the former Ebonyi governor described Makinde as “a brother and friend” but called his public accusation improper.
Umahi said:“I heard that my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said something about the cost per kilometre. I don’t want to join issues with him.
“I think he is an engineer, while I am an electrical engineer, they call us ‘elect-elect’. But this road construction matter, ‘elect-elect no reach there.
“I am his senior both in governance and in engineering practice. So, anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask. I have great respect for him as my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the statement that I’m dancing around. I never danced around. If he insists, he should come for a debate, which is very important.
“No ambiguity in determining the cost per kilometre,” stressing that it must be understood in both estimated and average terms.
“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre. I am teaching them that cost per kilometre can be divided into estimated cost, which has elements of variance, and average cost, which is definitive. The average cost of a definitive project and the estimated cost are probable elements.”
Umahi explained that the estimated cost includes allowances for contingencies and variation of price (VOP), which may not be fully utilized.
He added that “When the project is completed, and you remove what you didn’t use, such as contingencies and VOP, then you have your actual cost.”
The Minister also expressed amusement that critics, upon asking Artificial Intelligence for an explanation, received a response that aligned with his own.
“When somebody who is dangling without knowledge goes to ask AI what the difference is between cost per kilometre and average cost, I’m happy that AI told him exactly what I said.”
Finally, Umahi cited the National Universities Commission’s clarification on expertise, noting that “practical experience in the field also counts as expertise.
“I’m happy that the NUC programme on who is a professor also made me right. You can become a professor by the reason of your practice. And I think God has made me one when it comes to practical, field engineering programmes, that’s what it is; you can’t take it back.”
But for their disobedience, Mahmud Nasidi and Yahaya Nasidi, could have been home and dry with billions of Naira to boot. They could have been sleeping, tucked under beautiful bedsheets in their bedrooms instead of cooling their feet at the Ikoyi, Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
They had beaten every security at the Local Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and were at the foot of the Aircraft, Aero Contractors, to board. But a simple, unnecessary, disobedience put them into trouble.
While trying to board, the ground staff of the Airline noticed they were carrying two large, heavy, bags, and asked that they check-in the bags for them as they were not likely to fit into the overhead compartment of the cabin.
Nothing odd. Usually, when a passenger is carrying a big hand luggage, it’s taken from the passenger at the foot of the aircraft, tagged and checked in.
But the two men refused to allow the luggage checked-in for them. Asked why, since there is no space for the luggages in the cabin, on their own, they disclosed they were carrying cash to the tune of six million-plus US Dollars and £53, 415. Taken aback by the large sum, they were asked if they declared it. They said they did not. In Nigeria, one is not allowed to carry more than $10,000 when travelling, unless declared to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.
The story they told the multiple security units inside the airport before arriving at the tarmac is not public yet. It was officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, that, then, arrested them and handed them over to operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, who in turn, handed them over to the EFCC.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, was quoted to have said: “I can confirm to you that the suspects, two of them, were intercepted today and upon their arrest by the operatives of FAAN, they were handed over to us.”
Ado Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors explained the circumstances which led to their arrest. He said “What happened was that our Security noticed some passengers trying to board our aircraft with bags that were quite heavy. Our Security team advised them to check the bags in as they could not be carried into the cabin.
“They refused to check the bags, and later, they said it was money. When asked if the money had been declared, they said no.
“At that point, our Security discovered that the individuals were either Police Officers or some form of Security Agents who claimed they were escorting a suspect along with exhibits. That was why they resisted checking the bags.
“We then informed them that if they were transporting a suspect, they were required to notify us in advance. There are standard procedures for moving suspects. We don’t mix them with regular passengers. There are boarding, deboarding, and in-flight protocols that must be allowed in such cases. Since they failed to follow these procedures, they were not allowed to board.”
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has scolded Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for making an inappropriate reference while mocking the Party, to the 2006 ADC Aircraft crash in Abuja, which killed 96 people including the then incumbent Sultan of Sokoto.
The fatal crash happened on October 29, 2006 minutes after the aircraft took off from Abuja Airport en route Sokoto Airport. The Sultan was on his way back to Sokoto after attending an official event in Abuja organised by the Federal Government.
At the Senate Plenary, Akpabio, known for his penchant for cracking, atimes, provocative or dry jokes, took a dig at the African Democratic Congress, ADC, thus, laughing: ” I am in total sympathy with what’s going on. The PDP is on the ground. Their umbrella is torn. The Labour Party is scattered. ADC crashed even before it took off.”
But in a swift response, wreaking of outrage, the ADC Spokesperson, Bola Abdullahi, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, accused Akpabio, in a post on X, of making a joke of a National tragedy.
He wrote: “On October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashed in Abuja; killing 96 people, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Maccido, who had come to the Capital to attend an education summit organised by the Federal Government.
“Now, it is the same National tragedy that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has turned into a joke and material for mockery. Who are these people?”
A few days ago, while disclosing that he has been under intense pressure to join the ADC, Pastor Tunde Bakare, an APC Presidential aspirant in 2023, and late President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 Presidential race under the CPC, had said: I don’t know of any ADC. The only ADC I know is the plane that crashed.”
Not a few people termed Bakare’s remarks insensitive.
A Nigerian soldier, identified as Lancer Corporal Femi Akinyele, has, reportedly, shot his wife to death. Either to avoid the ordeal of being arrested to face the ultimate punishment, or in a moment of remorse, he also killed himself.
This unsettling incident comes, again, to the Nigerian Army, a few days after the wife of an Army Lieutenant (Dr) Solomon Haruna was allegedly set ablaze by his wife, Retyit Obadiah Harun at their Akwa Ibom Barracks residence. He died a painful death.
The young Lieutenant was a Medical Doctor, while his wife was a Nurse.
A report by SaharaReporters, an Online Publication, said that the soldier, at about 11.30am, at their Block 5, Room 24, at Wawa Military Cantonment, New Bussa, Kainji, Niger State, shot his wife, Blessing, to death and thereafter, killed himself. His posting was to the 22 Armoured Brigade but he was on duty at the Barracks.
At the time of this report, the reason behind the double tragedy has not been disclosed. Investigations are ongoing.
Death row convict, Maryam Sanda, has been granted Presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu.
The young mother of two, who shocked Nigerians by killing her equally young husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of a former Minister, was among the scores granted clemency by President Tinubu during the Council of State’s meeting on October 9, 2025, presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Deservedly sentenced to death in 2020 after the heinous crime, she served only six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before mother-luck came her way.
Explaining in a statement on Saturday, October 11, 2025, why Sanda was granted pardon, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy said: “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.”
Maryam Sanda was convicted to death by hanging on January 27, 2020, by the Honourable Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal High Court Abuja for fatally stabbing her husband to death at their Abuja home.
Said Justice Halilu while convicting her: “She should reap what she has sown for it has been said that ‘thou shall not kill. And whoever kills in cold blood deserves death as his own reward.
But Sanda appealed her conviction on 20 grounds alleging, among other things, bias.
However, on December 3, 2020, the Court of Appeal threw out her appeal and sustained the judgment of the lower Court. Since then, she has been on death row at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Mr. President set her free based on the recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee which has as Chairman, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
There has been no reaction, yet, from her murdered husband’s family.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that his administration is laying durable, practical, and forward- looking foundation in Imo State with the Skill-Up Imo Programme.
He spoke Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri during the graduation of another 10,000 Imo young men and women who recently completed their digital training under the Cohort 3 of the Skill-Up Imo Project.
40,000 had earlier been trained in Cohorts 1 and 2 in the fields like software engineering, AI, cyber security, digital marketing among others, with many of them either gainfully employed in the digital technology outside Imo State or self-employed.
During the graduation ceremony, the Governor equally unveiled a digital device known as MyImoApp. The App will enable citizens to engage with government seamlessly for services like land record verification, documentation, tax payments, emergency reporting and business promotion from anywhere around the world.
Addressing the 10,000 graduates, the Governor congratulated them and expressed happiness over his administration’s earlier resolve to focus on digital skill acquisition, youth empowerment as well as placing Imo State at the forefront of the 21st Century digital economy.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (middle) assisted by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi ( left) hands over a laptop kit to Mr.Modestus Okafor, one of the 10,000 graduates of the Cohort 3 Skill-Up Imo Programme during their graduation at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre Owerri… Saturday, October 11, 2025.
He said his administration remains committed in supporting young men and women’s growth through access, mentorship, finance and infrastructure.
“We are not casually training people; we are laying practical, durable, and forward-facing foundations,” the Governor said.
He added, “We are building our the Imo Digital City, which will host Nigeria’s first state-level Artificial Intelligence Institute, a Robotics and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) hub, Innovation Labs, Digital Learning Centres, and a Digital Entrepreneurship Centre which is designed to serve real needs and unlock real value.”
To the new graduates, the Governor said: “What you need, and what we are building are platforms, the tools, and the policies to ensure your skills find full expression. Your success is not a side benefit of our digital policy, it is the point of it.
“I urge you to use what you have learnt, not only to create work for yourselves, but to become creators of work for others. Be solution-minded. Build with purpose. Think of your local government area, your community, and your State and ask; how can technology make things better?”
He thanked his partners – the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA, Microsoft, Zinox Computers, Cisco, UNDP, US-MAC, and the University of California, Berkeley, for believing in what Imo is building up and for helping to deliver the programmes.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda commended the Governor for the milestone, insisting that he is taking the right direction.
Prof Yilwatda emphasised that Governor Uzodimma is not just transforming Imo State, Nigeria, Africa and global economy today, but transforming the future economy by impacting digital skills to future youths which is crucial to the economy of the nation.
While disclosing that Imo has the highest number in the training of youths in digital skills in the entire nation, the APC National Chairman urged the graduates not to disappoint the Governor’s expectations.
“Be good representatives of Imo and Nigeria and make good use of the opportunity and leverage on the digital skills learnt as an enabler for Imo, Nigeria, Africa and the world,” he advised.
In his goodwill Message, the Minister for Industry ( State), Senator John Owan Enoh congratulated the Governor for coming up with the important initiative, stressing that the programme is not just huge, but “a testament to the foresighted leadership of Governor Uzodimma, which aligns with Nigeria’s development goals, digitization, and Industrial growth of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Sen. Enoch pointed out that the Imo digital Skill-Up training is in line with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) initiative of the President’s 8-point Agenda, which supports point 7 on acceleration of Nigeria through industry, manufacturing and digitization.
He described Governor Uzodimma as
a committed, sincere leader, who has contributed to the success of the programme, and admonished the trained graduates to use the skill they have acquired to promote Imo.
In her goodwill message, the Minister of Finance (State), Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for achieving this milestone, stressing that it is not just a “programme but a powerful one.”
She further commended the Governor for his commitment in supporting youth empowerment initiatives, saying it aligns with the economic growth and youth empowerment programme of President Tinubu through digital skills.
Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr. Mrs. Olodo, applauded the Governor and Imo people on the remarkable achievement.
He stated that the Ministry was pleased with the Governor’s foresight in the Skill-Up Imo Project, emphasising that he has created future for the country with it.
He reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment and unwavering support to every State of the Federation on digital skills.
Some of the representatives of development partners like UNDP, US Market Access Center ( USMAC), University of California Berkeley in attendance also had kind words for the Governor and the programme, and had expressed satisfaction partnering with him for the benefit of the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing all the necessary support to ensure the graduation of the Cohort 3 Skill-Up Imo after intensive training.
He noted that the Cohort 3 Skill-Up Imo graduates were trained in different fields like; graphics design, digital modeling, printing, cyber security, CCTV maintenance and many more, which he said will give them the opportunity to compete globally.
He used the opportunity to thank the partners such as Zinox Computers, and Microsoft, assuring that with what is happening in Imo with the programme it will surely emerge as Africa’s Digital Skills Hub.
Amadi charged the graduates to make good use of the knowledge acquired for their own good and for the growth of the State, and announced the immediate commencement of the Cohort -4 training for interested students.
He also urged Imo youths to continue to partake in critical thinking so that the future world critical thinkers will emerge from Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of Start-up Kits to some graduates by the Governor assisted by the Ministers.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, 9th October 2025, granted Presidential pardon to 175 people.
The clemency was granted 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.
FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MERCY
PARDONED
Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.
Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.
Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud
Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case
Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.
Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.
POSTHUMOUS PARDON
Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.
Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot
POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE
Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder
Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder
Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder
Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder
Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder
Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder
Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder
Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder
John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder
VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:
Chief Albert Badey
Chief Edward Kobaru
Chief Samuel Orage
Chief Theophilus Orage
PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY
Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail
Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015
Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.
Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023
Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023
Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.
Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol.
Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri
Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.
Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri
Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. Had served eight years.
Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri.
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
Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023
Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail.
Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022
Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.
Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.
Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.
Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.
Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail.
Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.
Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.
Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison
Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.
Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison
Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison
Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp
Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol.
Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramadol
Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison
Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.
Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs
Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison
John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism
Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, & Heroin.
Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp & other drugs
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
Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.
Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Zahradeen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.
Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024
Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
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.
Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years
Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.
Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.
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.
Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.
Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.
Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.
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.
Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.
Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.
Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.
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.
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.
Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.
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.
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.
Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.
Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.
Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.
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.
Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.
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
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.
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.
Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.
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.
Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.
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.
Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the newly established South-West Development Commission (SWDC) to advance infrastructural renewal, industrialization and youth empowerment across the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Aiyedatiwa was speaking at a thanksgiving reception on Saturday, in honour of Dr Jide Martins Adewinle, the newly appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State in the Commission.
The Governor described the appointment as a product of merit, hard work and years of consistent service to humanity.
The event, held at Adekunbi Hall, Iye Ile Resort Centre, Ode-Aye, brought together dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, political associates and well-wishers who joined in celebrating the new appointee.
In his speech, the Governor lauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SWDC, saying the Commission would bridge developmental gaps in the South-West and unlock its economic potential.
He said, “The creation of the South-West Development Commission is a laudable step by the Federal Government to tackle developmental disparities, harness regional potential and promote sustainable growth.
“With the right leadership and collaboration, the Commission will serve as a veritable tool for economic revitalisation, infrastructural renewal and social transformation in our region.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who congratulated Adewinle, noted that his appointment did not come by chance, but as an acknowledgement of competence, capacity and character, urging him to live up to expectation.
He added, “Over the years, Dr Adewinle has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community development, youth empowerment and professionalism.
“His appointment will further project Ondo State as a reservoir of capable hands, men and women who can stand tall anywhere in service to our nation.
“Leadership is stewardship imbued with humility, inclusiveness and vision. Let your service reflect the diligence, integrity and accountability that have defined your journey thus far.
“The expectations are high, but I am confident that with God on your side and the support of our people, you will make Ondo proud,” he advised.
The Governor assured that the Ondo State Government would work closely with the SWDC and other federal institutions to ensure that the people benefit maximally from ongoing and future developmental projects.
“Our administration will continue to collaborate with the Commission to enhance regional integration, agricultural development, industrialization and youth empowerment, all key pillars of our development agenda.”
Earlier, Dr Jide Martins Adewinle expressed gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa for the opportunity to serve, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
He said the SWDC was created to promote regional development by focusing on education, infrastructure, welfare and economic empowerment, describing it as a platform that would reposition the South-West for sustainable growth.
Adewinle recalled that the idea of regional development being championed through the Commission was a continuation of the visionary blueprint of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whose policies transformed the South-West into an economic hub through education, infrastructure and agriculture.
