President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new list of individuals granted clemency and a presidential pardon.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, the President signed the instrument of clemency to formally exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy for selected individuals.
The decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a review of the initially approved list in line with Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The President directed that individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms be removed from the list. Others who had been previously pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
No fewer than 86 individuals were granted a presidential pardon or had their sentences commuted under the approval. Those granted presidential pardon under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025 include Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, 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, among others.
Meanwhile, those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025, include Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
The State House statement noted that the decision was guided by considerations of justice, national security, public sensitivity, and respect for crime victims.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.”
“President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
Credit: Nigerian Tribune