Tinubu Grants Clemency, Pardons Convicts But Deletes Serious Offenders After Review
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy, signing instruments to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals previously convicted of various offences.
The action follows a crucial review of the initial list, which was directed by the President after consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion. This review was exercised under the President’s discretionary powers as outlined in Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Following the review, the President’s office deleted certain persons from the list who were convicted of serious crimes. These offences included kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing. Other individuals who had been previously pardoned under the old list had their sentences commuted instead of receiving outright pardons.
The State House noted that this necessary adjustment was made due to the seriousness and security implications of some of the original offences. The decision also aimed to be sensitive to the feelings of crime victims and the public, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and ensure adherence to Nigeria’s bilateral obligations. The guiding principle for the review was the concept of justice as a three-way traffic involving the accused, the victim, and the state/society.
The final, approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been officially transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation.
Relocation of Clemency Secretariat
In a move to improve transparency and best practices, President Tinubu also directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. It will now operate under the Federal Ministry of Justice, moving from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties.
Furthermore, the President directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new, appropriate guidelines for exercising the Power of Prerogative of Mercy. These guidelines will now include compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
This measure is designed to ensure that going forward, only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will benefit from the instruments of release.
President Tinubu appreciated the constructive feedback received from stakeholders and the general public on the matter, reaffirming his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the overall administration of justice in Nigeria.
Would you like me to find out more about the specific judicial reforms President Tinubu has pledged to implement?
Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, here are the names listed for clemency, pardon, and commutation of death sentence to life imprisonment, effective October 21, 2025:
1. Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment
Emmanuel Baba
Abubakar Usman
Khalifa Umar
Mohammed Umar
2. Grant of Pardon
Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
Ayinla Saadu Alanama
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
3. Grant of Clemency
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
