President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments granting clemency and pardon to selected individuals, formally exercising his constitutional powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The move marks a decisive phase in the administration’s effort to balance justice, fairness, and compassion within Nigeria’s correctional and judicial systems.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the action followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion. In the course of reviewing the initial list of recommended beneficiaries, President Tinubu ordered the removal of individuals convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession.
“The seriousness and security implications of these crimes, as well as the need to respect victims’ rights and public sentiment, guided the review,” the statement explained. The President also underscored the importance of maintaining morale among law enforcement agencies and adhering to international obligations related to criminal justice.
Some convicts whose names were retained on the reviewed list will have their sentences commuted rather than being fully pardoned, in line with the principle that justice serves three key parties the accused, the victim, and society.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
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In a related development, President Tinubu has 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. The move aims to enhance oversight, strengthen institutional processes, and align clemency procedures with international best practices.
Furthermore, the President directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy. The guidelines will make it mandatory for future pardon considerations to involve relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only qualified individuals benefit.
President Tinubu commended Nigerians and stakeholders for their constructive feedback and reiterated his administration’s resolve to uphold justice reforms and improve the overall administration of justice in the country.
“The prerogative of mercy must reflect not just compassion, but also responsibility,” the President was quoted as saying. “Our justice system must protect the innocent, correct the offender, and preserve the confidence of society.”