Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has formalised the next step in his prerogative of mercy, signing instruments of clemency and pardon while tightening the criteria for future exercises.
The controversial list of 176 convicts was earlier approved by the Council of State.
The action follows wide consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion on the beneficiaries, with a clear stamp against individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and murder.
In a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered the removal of names of persons convicted for grave offences, citing national security concerns and the need to uphold justice.
Those initially considered for full pardon saw their sentences reduced in some cases, but the most severe offences were excluded from the clemency list.
President Tinubu underscored that the justice system must serve the interests of the accused, the victims, and society at large.
He also announced structural changes intended to strengthen the integrity of future mercy exercises, including the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Additionally, he directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines ensuring that only deserving individuals, vetted in consultation with prosecuting agencies, benefit from clemency in the future.
The President thanked stakeholders and members of the public for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for the implementation of the instruments of release.
The review also aimed to align the prerogative with public expectations, security considerations, and bilateral obligations, while upholding the principle of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state/society.
In a formal note accompanying the executive actions, Onanuga reaffirmed that the exercise remains a sensitive balance between mercy and accountability, and he reiterated the administration’s resolve to improve the administration of justice in Nigeria.
Names listed for clemency, pardon, and commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment were published, with a clear emphasis on those who meet the legal and procedural requirements and whose cases are supported by prosecuting agencies.
The clemency grants include: Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, Mohammed Umar (commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment); 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 (pardon); 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 (clemency).
