President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed individuals convicted of serious crimes from the list of those earlier approved for presidential pardon and clemency, following a comprehensive review of the exercise.
The President, after consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, signed the relevant instruments to formalise the updated list of beneficiaries, thereby exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said offenders convicted of crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list due to the gravity and security implications of their offences.
The statement added that while some individuals were removed, others who had been pardoned in the previous list had their sentences commuted instead.
President Tinubu’s decision, according to the statement, was guided by the need to protect public safety, respect victims’ rights, maintain the morale of law enforcement agencies, and uphold Nigeria’s international obligations.
The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a related move, the President ordered the immediate 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.
He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit from future exercises.
President Tinubu thanked the public for their constructive feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and enhancing the administration of justice in Nigeria.
