The directive was issued after a security meeting with heads of various security agencies in the state, during which the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure security operatives can effectively carry out their duties.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the prompt response of security agencies helped to prevent the attackers from causing further damage, describing the intervention as timely and commendable.

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In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the action followed the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to the statement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who is the chairman of the advisory council, explained the meticulous process behind the recommendations.

The exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional responsibility vested in state governors under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowering them to grant pardons, commutations, or reprieves to convicted persons based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The statement read, “This gracious act, timed to commemorate the January 1, 2026, New Year celebrations, underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deep commitment to rehabilitative justice, second chances, and the humane side of governance.

“It reflects his belief that the justice system should balance accountability with compassion, particularly for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and potential for reintegration into society.”

Ajulo said, “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026, New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.

“In so doing, the council considered the nature of the offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation prospects and reports from correctional and legal authorities.”

Commending the governor’s decision, Ajulo noted that after due consideration, the governor graciously approved the list of beneficiaries, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s thoughtful approach in personally reviewing each case to ensure fairness and humanity prevailed.

He added that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 convicts who had shown exemplary conduct and completed significant portions of their sentences; commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms for 22 condemned inmates; and reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates.

Other clemency measures include the reduction of life imprisonment to 20 years for 14 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 15 years for 15 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 10 years for six inmates; and commutation to lesser terms of imprisonment for four inmates.

“This compassionate gesture by the governor exemplifies profound mercy and forward-thinking leadership that prioritises rehabilitation over mere punishment.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions reaffirm his unwavering dedication to justice sector reforms, the decongestion of correctional facilities and the fostering of hope for redemption among those who have erred but are willing to reform,” the statement concluded.

Read Also: Presidential Pardon List Not Finalized, Still Under Review- AGF

According to reports, Aiyedatiwa has, since assuming office, repeatedly emphasised justice sector reforms, decongestion of correctional centres and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society as key governance priorities.

The state’s correctional facilities, like many across the country, have faced challenges of overcrowding, prompting periodic reviews of inmates’ cases through lawful clemency mechanisms.

Previous administrations in Ondo State have also used festive periods such as Independence Day and New Year celebrations to grant amnesty or sentence reductions, in line with national practice, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation, reduce congestion in custodial centres and encourage restorative justice.

Source: Punch

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Source: Punch

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The police spokesperson, Olusola Ayanlade, stated that the suspect collected the money from one Temiloluwa after claiming he could help recover the retirement benefits of the victim’s mother. Instead, he allegedly diverted the funds for personal use with the help of accomplices who are still at large.

Jamiu was later found to have been discharged from the Nigerian Army in 2023 after serving with the 82 Division in Enugu. He reportedly confessed to the crime.

Read Also: Five Commuters Killed in Ondo Truck Crash

Police said he remains in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. Efforts to track down his accomplices are ongoing.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Source: channels

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According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the operation and the arrest of one Jayeola Joshua, along with two accomplices. The rescue mission was carried out by the Police Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, unit, with ongoing efforts to capture other members of the criminal group.

According to Ayanlade, the syndicate had been luring women from across Nigeria with promises of well-paying jobs, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements. However, once the women were brought to Akure, they were manipulated into participating in illicit activities, including sending nude photos and videos to clients seeking sexual services.

Read Also: Police Rescue Seven Kidnapped Victims in Edo

“Further investigation revealed that the women were coerced into creating explicit content, which was then shared with clients involved in the procurement of sexual services,” Ayanlade said. “The leader of the syndicate, who was identified as Joshua, allegedly received the largest share of the proceeds, with the operation disguised as the creation of ‘relationship content’ for social media.”

The victims have since been taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological support, and counseling. Ayanlade added that the apartment where the women were held had been rented specifically for trafficking activities, prompting the police to invite the landlord for questioning.

The police have also issued a warning to parents and guardians, urging them to carefully verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their children or wards to travel. This case highlights the dangers posed by such criminal syndicates preying on vulnerable individuals seeking legitimate opportunities.

Source: Punch

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The Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, Olusola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists in Akure.

It was gathered that the detectives at the Yaba Divisional headquarters in Ondo city, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the area called Eyingun-Owode and arrested the suspect.

“A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of three single-barrel guns, three Dane guns, and one unfinished gun barrel, all discovered in a nearby bush located behind the suspect’s residence,” the statement read.

“Upon interrogation, the Suspect made useful statements to the police regarding his involvement in the illegal fabrication and sale of firearms.”

The statement revealed that during the course of investigation, two other individuals were also arrested in connection with the crime.

Read Also:Police Arrest 10 in Connection with Assassination Attempt on Ondo Monarch

Ayanlade added that the Command is investigating if the Select is involved in violent crimes within the State, as well as to identify individuals or groups who had been receiving arms supply from him.

The Command’s spokesperson said the principal Suspect along with the arms recovered from him will be transfered to the command’s monitoring unit for further investigation.

Source: Channels

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The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade, Major Njoka Irabor, disclosed this in a statement on the official X account of the Nigerian Army, saying the tragedy occurred when the bus driver, travelling from Akure to Abuja, experienced mechanical problems near a military checkpoint in Akunu, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“Unfortunately, passengers in the vehicle started requesting a refund of their transport fare. Subsequently, a passenger reached out to a soldier deployed at Akunu checkpoint to help the passengers retrieve their money from the driver”, the statement partly read.

The statement also noted that the soldier’s actions were unprofessional and in violation of military conduct; therefore, the Army immediately took responsibility for the driver’s medical care after the incident.

“Consequently, the soldier showed up and displayed very uncouth and unprofessional conduct, resulting in an altercation with the driver, which led to physical contact between the soldier and the driver. The soldier exhibited an act that is contrary to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct guiding his deployment at the checkpoint.

The statement conveyed the Army’s condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that justice would be served.

Source: Nigerian Army Neutralises Bandits Second-In-Command In Kogi

“The Nigerian Army, as a reputable organisation anchored on discipline, wishes to express our deepest sympathy and reassure our unwavering commitment to the family of the deceased and close associates, of speedy dispensation of disciplinary action against the soldier, as the soldier will face the full wrath of the law, and the outcome will be made public”, the statement continued.

The Army also said it had visited the family of the deceased and promised support. The statement added that the Army was working closely with the family and the Ondo State Government to ensure a peaceful resolution.

Source: Punch

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“The truck lost control and rammed into the motorcycle,” a witness recounted. “It happened in a flash. The man had just dropped his child at school and was heading home. It was a really sad scene.”

The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash.

Emergency responders later evacuated the victim’s body from the scene.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, said an investigation is underway and that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing driver.

“Once investigations are concluded, further details will be made available to the public,” he said.

Source: Premium Times

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The spokesperson of the Command, Olusola Ayanlade, disclosed this, adding that the command have arrested Bosede.

According to report, Bosede demanded the payment for the tomatoes and pepper Omowumi purchased on credit from her.

The situation escalated into violence when Bosede allegedly held onto Omowumi’s clothes, causing her to fall and sustain fatal injuries.

Read Also: Ondo Man Arrested For Alleged Murder of Neighbour’s Son

Ayanlade said the case is currently under investigation, assuring that justice will be served.

Source: Channels

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