65th Independence: Adeleke Grants Mercy To Prisoners, Releases Full List Of Beneficiaries

According to Ireporter Online, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has granted amnesty to 36 convicts serving various sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The governor, in a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the decision was taken in line with the powers vested in him under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following recommendations by the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Governor Adeleke explained that the move reflects the values of compassion, justice, and renewal, which he described as central to Nigeria’s Independence celebration.

Quoting directly from the official proclamation, the governor stated: “By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof. And for so doing, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.”

The beneficiaries, according to the state government, consist of men and women who were convicted largely of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had already served a significant portion of their sentences.

Adeleke further stressed that his administration remains committed to balancing justice with mercy, adding that the amnesty initiative represents not just freedom, but also a renewed opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The list of convicts who benefited from the Independence Day amnesty includes:

From Ilesa Correctional Centre

1. Kehinde Ganiyu

2. Isiaka Mohammed

3. Oluwatosin Femi

4. Adebisi Adeniyi

5. Rotimi Paul

6. Oyewole Sunday

7. Ojo Adewale

8. Tajudeen Ridwan

9. Jokotola Quadri

10. Akinola Taofeek

11. Onibukun Adebisi

12. Azeez Afeez

13. Abdulgafar Quadri

14. Udoh Monday O.

15. Babawale Saheed

16. Olasunkanmi Wasiu

17. Adetoro Toheeb

18. Mudashiru Lawal

19. Ismaila Wahab

20. Yinka Oyeniyi

21. Olaniyan Taofeek

22. Sheu Mumini

23. Ololade Bashit

24. Musibau Abdulkareem

25. Jamiu Sulaeeb

26. Jeremiah Ayuba

27. Abimbola Samad

28. Oladeji Tosin

29. Mathew Samuel

From Ile-Ife Correctional Centre
30. Yusuf Ola
31. Oyedeji Sunday
32. Ojo Olaoluwa
33. Ogunola Rafiu
34. Ayomide Amos
35. Usman Adefisan
36. Adedigba Abiodun