President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has executed official clemency and pardon documents, finalizing the constitutional procedure for exercising his prerogative of mercy to provide relief to certain individuals convicted of various crimes.
A statement from Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, indicated that the action followed discussions with the Council of State and consideration of broad public sentiment on the issue.
The President, however, directed a thorough reassessment of the initially approved list, utilizing his discretionary authority under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The reassessment resulted in the removal of individuals convicted of grave offenses including kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms.
Additionally, some individuals who had been scheduled for complete pardons had their sentences either reduced or converted to lighter punishments.
“The decision was guided by the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to respect the rights and feelings of victims, boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations,” the statement said.
The statement further explained that the concept of justice as a “three-way traffic” — balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society — also informed the President’s careful approach.
The finalized list of qualified recipients has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for execution in accordance with the properly signed release instruments.
As part of structural changes accompanying this exercise, President Tinubu mandated the immediate transfer 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.
He additionally instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop new protocols for subsequent exercises, making consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies mandatory to ensure only worthy individuals receive consideration.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for public participation on the subject and restated his government’s dedication to wide-ranging judicial reforms and enhanced justice administration in Nigeria.
