President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reviewed the list of individuals earlier recommended for pardon under the federal prerogative of mercy, removing the names of persons convicted of serious offences including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud and illegal arms possession.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers under Section 175 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution to sign the instruments of release after wide consultations with the Council of State and key stakeholders.
However, following public concerns over national security implications, the President ordered a fresh scrutiny of the initial clemency list and directed that convicted offenders involved in violent and high-risk crimes be excluded. Some beneficiaries in the previous list, the statement added, had their sentences merely commuted instead of being fully pardoned.
The Presidency said the review became necessary to uphold justice, protect the rights of victims, and maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system. It also cited the need to support the morale of law enforcement agencies and align with Nigeria’s bilateral obligations against transnational crimes.
“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim and the state guided the review,” the statement noted.
The approved list of new beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a move to strengthen transparency and accountability in future pardon exercises, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines mandating compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any pardon is granted.
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The President thanked Nigerians for their “constructive feedback” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved justice administration.
“The exercise of mercy must reflect fairness, public interest and the rule of law,” the statement added.
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