President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments to exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy, granting pardon and clemency to specific individuals previously convicted of various offences.
The President’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State and extensive public feedback on the initial list of proposed beneficiaries. Acting under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Tinubu directed a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list before giving final assent.
As a result of the review, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms were removed from the list. Others previously pardoned under the old list had their sentences commuted rather than completely waived.
According to the Presidency, this adjustment was guided by “the seriousness and security implications of some offences, sensitivity to victims’ feelings, the need to uphold law enforcement morale, and Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.”
The revised list of approved beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation, in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.
To strengthen the credibility and transparency of future clemency exercises, President Tinubu also directed 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.
Additionally, the Attorney-General of the Federation has been instructed to issue new Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which will make consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies mandatory before any recommendation is approved.
The President expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the public for their constructive feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and a fairer justice system in Nigeria.