Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted amnesty to 36 inmates at the Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centres as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo. According to the statement, the Governor acted under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, following advice from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Governor Adeleke officially signed the amnesty proclamation on September 24, 2025. With this, the remaining jail terms of the 36 convicts have been cancelled, and they are now free.
The Governor explained that this act of mercy releases the inmates from all punishments and legal consequences connected to their convictions. He also instructed correctional authorities to treat the amnesty as a valid and official release order under the seal of Osun State.
Out of the 36 beneficiaries, 29 were serving sentences at the Ilesa Correctional Centre, while 7 were held at the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre. Most of them had been convicted of minor crimes such as stealing and conspiracy and had already served much of their prison time.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke said the amnesty was a symbol of compassion and a second chance. He added that his government remains committed to justice but also believes in showing mercy to those who deserve it.
“This amnesty is not just about freedom,” the Governor said. “It’s a chance for these individuals to truly reform, return to society, and start a new chapter in their lives.”
He urged the freed inmates to embrace the opportunity and reintegrate as responsible and productive citizens.
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