30/10/2025
Tinubu Reviews Presidential Pardon, Removes Kidnappers, Drug Convicts From List
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of selected prisoners under his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy but removed those convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug offences, and human trafficking from the list.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu “executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.”
The statement said the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, leading the President to “direct a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list.
“Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” Onanuga stated.
He explained that the review became necessary due to “the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies.”
The approved list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
To strengthen future exercises, the President directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines ensuring “compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies” before any clemency decision is made.
Tinubu, while appreciating public feedback on the matter, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and improving Nigeria’s justice system.