President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments of release to complete the process of granting pardon and clemency to certain individuals previously convicted of various offences, exercising his constitutional powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Okay News reports that the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and extensive public opinion on the matter. The President subsequently ordered a comprehensive review of the initially approved list to ensure fairness, national security, and alignment with societal expectations.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President excluded individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms from the list. He added that others who had previously been pardoned under the old list had their sentences commuted.
“This action became necessary in view of 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 to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.
The statement further explained that the review was guided by the concept of justice as “a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the society.”
The approved list of beneficiaries, the Presidency confirmed, has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.
In a related directive, President Tinubu 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 instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new “Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy,” which will mandate compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release,” Onanuga added.
The President expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and engagement received from stakeholders and the public throughout the process.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to broader judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice across Nigeria.
