Tinubu Reviews Clemency List, Drops High-Risk Offenders, Orders Secretariat Relocation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally exercised his constitutional power of mercy, signing instruments to grant pardon and clemency to selected convicts across the country.

Following consultations with the Council of State and widespread public feedback, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the initial list, in line with his discretionary authority under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

As a result, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms were removed from the clemency list. Some others originally marked for pardon had their sentences commuted.

According to the Presidency, the review was guided by key considerations, the severity of offences, national security implications, sensitivity to victims, morale of law enforcement agencies, and Nigeria’s international obligations. It also aimed to balance justice for the accused, the victims, and the state.

The approved list of beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation in accordance with the signed release instruments.

In a bid to strengthen due process, 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.

The Attorney-General of the Federation has been instructed to issue fresh guidelines for exercising the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies. The move is intended to ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from future clemency decisions.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from stakeholders and citizens, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the fair administration of justice.

The Guardian recalls that when the initial pardon list was published earlier in October, several political leaders and human rights groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemned the inclusion of persons convicted for grave offences, describing it as a misuse of presidential privilege.

Out of the 175 persons initially listed for pardon, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the list comprised 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers, and 22 convicted murderers. Also featured were coup plotters, corrupt politicians, and high-profile figures such as the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Professor Magaji Garba, and the late Ken Saro-Wiwa alongside members of the “Ogoni Eight.”

However, following Tinubu’s directive, several of these high-risk offenders, including Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, have been removed from the revised list.