Tinubu approves revised presidential clemency list

…. Orders Justice Ministry Oversight

President Bola Tinubu has formally exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by signing instruments granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

Following consultations with the Council of State and in response to widespread public concerns, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the original clemency list in line with his discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

After the review, individuals convicted of serious crimes—including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms—were removed from the list. Some others originally slated for pardon had their sentences commuted instead.

According to the Presidency, the revised decision was guided by several considerations: the severity of offences, national security implications, respect for victims, the need to uphold law enforcement morale, and Nigeria’s international obligations. The government emphasized that justice must serve the accused, the victims, and the state alike.

The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in line with the executed instruments of release.

As part of broader reforms to strengthen due process, President Tinubu also directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. In addition, the President instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop new guidelines for exercising the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies.

These measures, the Presidency said, are aimed at ensuring that only individuals who fully satisfy legal and procedural requirements benefit from future clemency initiatives.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to stakeholders and the general public for their constructive feedback, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.

When the initial list was released earlier in October, it sparked widespread criticism from political leaders, human rights groups, and concerned citizens. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) were among those who condemned the inclusion of individuals convicted of grave crimes, describing the move as an abuse of presidential discretion and a mockery of justice.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media, Public Information and Strategy, 175 individuals benefited from the clemency. The list included 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers, and 22 convicted murderers, alongside foreigners, coup plotters, and some corrupt politicians.

Among the notable names reportedly included were Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, and capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, as well as posthumous pardons for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight.