Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has pardoned an octogenarian, Isiaka Momodu, and 56 other inmates awaiting trial at the Nigerian Correctional Centres, Olokuta in Ondo.

Mr Momodu, who had been standing trial for two years and three months for rape, was released with others.

According to a statement on Thursday, the inmates were released during the visit of Kayode Ajulo, the commissioner for justice and attorney general, and the chief judge, Ayedun Odusola.

During the visits, 15 inmates were released in Akure,18 in the Ondo male facility, six at the Ondo female facility, and 18 at Okitipupa unconditionally.

Other inmates who had also been standing trials in the Olokuta facility included Odeh Friday, 35, and Peter Ufomadu, 30, charged with robbery and conspiracy for over five years.

Ismaila Abdulrasaq, 36, standing trial for three years, was released for lack of witnesses, while Emmanuel Ianna, 32, standing trial for two years over conspiracy, was also released; Taiwo Komolafe, 65, Dele James, 38; Danladil Kuku, Peter Sunday, Emmanuel Isaac, Ayomide Oladeji, Wale Olaolu, Ola Ojo, Joseph Amos, 45 and a teenager, Essan Doland charged with stealing were all released.

In Ondo, 57-year-old Ayo Odunsi and Sola Ayemibo, who were standing trial for alleged murder, were pardoned based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, while Training Ebegbe and Okutu Elokumo, 32, charged with kidnapping were released unconditionally on critical health ground.

At the female custodian centre in Ondo, those released were a nursing mother, Grace Akinsanmi, 29, charged with stealing (released on humanitarian grounds), Yusuf Sherif, 39, who was standing trial for concealing the death of a newborn baby for two years while Opeyemi Oguntimoju, 32; Olasunkanmi Kolawole, Joy Anthony and Bukola Oyatunde who were charged for stealing were pardoned.

The pardoned inmates include Adams Isiaka, 33, standing trial for unlawful possession of firearms and Edet Ezekiel, 25, charged with breach of peace. Samuel Kastin, Gbenga Dadeni, 44; Mukaila Yisa, 28; Tunde Ibrahim, 41; Philip Samuel, 28; Samson Paul, 25; Joseph Okon, 25; Emmanuel Okuti, 34; Emmanuel Peter,22; John Fanen, 34; and Biliaminu Muhammed, 42, were charged with stealing.

In Okitipupa, a 63-year-old Muhammad Basiru, charged with kidnapping, was pardoned on health grounds, while Sunday Miracle, 20; Segun Adeniran, 30; James Anthony, 23; Goodness Sunday, Ibrahim Isaiaka, Adeluwoye Imoleyin, 21; Eze Emmanuel and other 10 inmates standing trial for stealing were released unconditionally.

“This act highlights the AG’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment within the correctional system. It is a progressive approach to justice and rehabilitation within Ondo state, marking a new chapter in the State’s commitment to humane and equitable legal practices,” the statement said.

It added, “The pardon not only offers a second chance but also reflects the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.”