President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reduced the number of convicts slated for presidential pardon from 175 to just 34.
The decision follows widespread public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug-related offences.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy by signing the instruments of release for the revised list of beneficiaries.
On October 9, President Tinubu granted clemency to 175 Nigerians and issued posthumous pardons to prominent historical figures, including Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and members of the Ogoni Nine, executed in 1995 under military rule.
The decision, announced after a Council of State meeting in Abuja, follows recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi. Tinubu said the move reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, compassion, and national healing.
Among the beneficiaries are Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, posthumously pardoned for an alleged 1986 coup plot, and Ken Saro-Wiwa alongside the Ogoni Eight, convicted in a controversial 1995 murder case.
The pardon also extended to Sir Herbert Macaulay, a nationalist wrongly prosecuted by British colonial authorities in 1913 for alleged fund misappropriation. “This move corrects long-standing injustices, honoring their contributions to Nigeria’s history,” the statement submitted.
It further stated that Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide, received clemency after demonstrating remorse and good conduct during her six years at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Her family’s plea, emphasizing the welfare of her two children, played a pivotal role in the decision.
Similarly, former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, convicted of corrupt practices, and Dr. Nwogu Peters, jailed for fraud, were among those pardoned after serving their sentences or showing significant reform.
The clemency list included 82 inmates, many convicted of drug-related offences, illegal mining, and fraud, who showed remorse, acquired vocational skills, or enrolled in educational programmes such as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
For instance, Abiodun Elemero, serving a life sentence for cocaine trafficking, and Aluagwu Lawrence, jailed for selling Indian hemp, were granted clemency after years of good conduct.
A group of 36 illegal miners, convicted in 2024, also benefited, with Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis pledging to support their rehabilitation and empowerment.
Seven inmates on death row, including Emmanuel Baba and Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment for demonstrating remorse and positive behaviour. Others, such as Professor Magaji Garba and Major S.A. Akubo, had their sentences reduced due to advanced age, health issues, or educational achievements while in custody.
Tinubu faces backlash over pardoning convicted criminals
Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to several inmates, including those convicted of drug trafficking and other serious crimes, has triggered outrage across the country.
Critics argue that the move undermines Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse and sends the wrong message to both citizens and the international community. Many fear it could embolden others to commit crimes, expecting eventual pardons.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, civil society groups, and opposition parties condemned the decision, warning of its implications for justice and governance.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described it as a “national disgrace,” saying it undermines law enforcement officers’ efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Atiku called the move “reckless,” warning that it weakens justice, emboldens criminals, and damages Nigeria’s global image, especially since nearly 30% of those pardoned were convicted of drug-related crimes.
El-Rufai suggested the pardon looked more like “a reunion of people of like minds” than an act of compassion.
Josef Onoh, Special Adviser on Policy Communication in the South East to the President, also criticised the clemency, urging Tinubu to revoke it, particularly for convicted murderer Maryam Sanda and drug traffickers, calling it “a moral betrayal” that could harm Nigeria’s image.
Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore expressed disgust at the decision, especially the inclusion of Maryam Sanda.
“Tinubu frees Maryam Sanda, yet Nnamdi Kanu who has never been convicted remains detained. This is hypocrisy,” Sowore wrote on X.
He argued that the President’s action exposes double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
FG announces plan to review pardon list for legal compliance
Following the backlash, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, said the list of presidential pardons signed by Tinubu would be reviewed for legal compliance.
In a statement issued on October 16, Fagbemi clarified that none of the inmates granted clemency had been released.
The statement reads, “The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.
“The process remains at the final administrative stage, including a review to ensure that all names and recommendations comply with legal and procedural requirements before any release instrument is issued.
“This verification process reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence. The Honourable Attorney-General appreciates the public’s vigilance, which strengthens institutional integrity.
“There is no delay in the process; it is following the law to the letter to ensure that only duly qualified individuals benefit from the President’s mercy.”
Tinubu reduces presidential pardon list from 175 to 34
On October 29, Tinubu signed revised instruments of clemency and pardon, cutting the list from 175 to 34.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy by approving the reduced list of beneficiaries.
According to Onanuga, the President’s action followed consultations with the Council of State and feedback from the public. The review was conducted under the discretionary powers granted by Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list. Others previously pardoned had their sentences commuted,” the statement read.
The presidency explained that the decision was influenced by the gravity of offences, national security concerns, and the need to respect victims’ and public sentiments.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to be sensitive to victims and society, to boost law enforcement morale, and to adhere to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and society guided the review,” Onanuga added.
The revised list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
To improve future pardon exercises, 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.
Additionally, the Attorney-General has been directed to issue new guidelines for presidential mercy, requiring consultation with prosecuting agencies to ensure only qualified individuals benefit.
President Tinubu thanked stakeholders and the public for their feedback, reaffirming his commitment to justice reform and transparency in Nigeria’s legal system.
List of 34 Nigerians granted clemency by Tinubu
Pardons:
- Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
- Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
- Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
- Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
- Herbert Macaulay
- Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
- Ken Saro-Wiwa
- Saturday Dobee
- Nordu Eawo
- Daniel Gbooko
- Paul Levera
- Felix Nuale
- Baribor Bera
- Barinem Kiobel
- John Kpuine
Death sentences commuted to life imprisonment:
- Emmanuel Baba
- Abubakar Usman
- Khalifa Umar
- Mohammed Umar
Clemency granted:
- Oroka Michael Chibueze
- Adesanya Olufemi Paul
- Daniel Bodunwa
- Hamza Abubakar
- Buhari Sani
- Mohammed Musa
- Muharazu Abubakar
- Ibrahim Yusuf
- Saad Ahmed Madaki
- Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
- Richard Ayuba
- Adam Abubakar
- Emmanuel Yusuf
- Chinedu Stanley
- Johnny Ntheru Udor
