President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, formally exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to selected individuals previously convicted for various offences.
However, after consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion, the President ordered a further vetting of the earlier approved list.
Following the review, individuals convicted of serious crimes — including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms — were removed from the list. Some others initially recommended for full pardon had their sentences commuted instead.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the review underscores Tinubu’s recognition of the gravity of certain crimes, their security implications, and the need to respect victims’ rights and public sentiment.
The President also emphasized the importance of maintaining the morale of law enforcement agencies and upholding Nigeria’s bilateral obligations, stressing that justice must balance the interests of the accused, the victim, and the state.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered the 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. The move, he said, aims to enhance transparency and align the clemency process with global best practices.
The President further instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future pardon exercises — including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any recommendation is made.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback received from the public and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and strengthening the justice system in Nigeria.
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