Full List: President Tinubu Revises Clemency List, Excludes Kidnappers, Drug Offenders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instrument of clemency and pardon, formally exercising his constitutional power to grant pardon and clemency to selected individuals previously convicted of various offences.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the exercise followed consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion. President Tinubu ordered a further review of the initially approved list of beneficiaries in line with his discretionary powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The review resulted in the removal of certain individuals convicted of serious crimes—including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms—from the list of pardoned persons. Others who had previously been pardoned had their sentences commuted. The statement emphasized that the action was taken due to the severity of some offences, security considerations, sensitivity to victims, and the need to uphold the morale of law enforcement agencies. The principle of justice for the accused, the victim, and society guided the review process.

The finalized list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

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. He instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue guidelines for future exercises, ensuring that only individuals who fully meet legal and procedural requirements will benefit from presidential pardons.

The Presidency noted that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria, while acknowledging public and stakeholder feedback on the matter.