Presidency Publishes Full List of Nigerians Granted Presidential Pardon, Explains Reasons for the Pardon

Stanley NwakoOctober 12, 2025 8:41 am

16 minutes read

President Bola Tinubu has approved presidential pardons and clemency for 175 individuals, including posthumous honors for national figures.

The Presidency said the gesture, based on compassion and justice, aims to reform the correctional system and promote rehabilitation.

The Presidency has released comprehensive information on the 175 individuals granted Presidential pardon, clemency, and sentence commutation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The gesture, made public on Saturday, 11 October 2025, follows recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency explained that the decision was guided by compassion, fairness, and a desire to correct historic injustices while encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed offenders.

President Tinubu approved the exercise after reviewing reports showing that many of the affected persons had demonstrated remorse, good conduct, or acquired vocational and educational skills during incarceration. Others were considered for clemency based on old age, ill health, or completion of significant portions of their sentences.

The President also extended mercy to certain individuals posthumously to restore historical justice, including prominent national figures and activists.

According to the Presidency, the Committee’s final recommendations covered several categories:

Two inmates and 15 deceased persons granted full pardon.
82 inmates granted clemency.
65 inmates whose sentences were reduced or commuted.
Seven death-row inmates whose sentences were converted to life imprisonment.

Mr. Onanuga noted that the President’s decision “reflects the administration’s belief that justice must be balanced with mercy and that the nation’s correctional institutions should also serve as centres of rehabilitation and hope.”

The report presented by Prince Fagbemi (SAN) at the Council of State meeting held in Abuja highlighted that beneficiaries included a diverse group from convicted miners and public officials to drug offenders and individuals involved in property or financial offences.

Among those named are Major General Mamman Vatsa, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Sir Herbert Macaulay, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine.

The Committee also honoured four Ogoni community leaders Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage who were victims of the 1995 Ogoni trials.

Additionally, 36 convicted illegal miners were granted clemency following an undertaking signed by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, who pledged to oversee their rehabilitation and empowerment.

POSTHUMOUS PARDONS AND HONOURS

A. FULL PARDONS (LIVING AND DECEASED)

Nweke Francis Chibueze (44 years) – Serving a life term at Kirikiri Correctional Centre for offences related to cocaine trafficking. Granted full pardon.
Dr. Nwogu Peters (67 years) – Sentenced in 2013 to 17 years imprisonment for fraud. Granted full pardon after serving significant time.
Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba (63 years) – Formerly convicted of financial fraud; has completed sentence. Granted official pardon.
Barrister Hussaini Alhaji Umar (58 years) – Convicted in 2023 and fined ₦150 million in an ICPC-related case. Granted full pardon.
Ayinla Saadu Alanamu (63 years) – Sentenced in 2019 to seven years for bribery; has served full term. Granted full pardon.
Hon. Farouk Mohammed Lawan (62 years) – Former lawmaker convicted in 2021 for corrupt practices and sentenced to five years; has completed sentence. Granted full pardon.

B. POSTHUMOUS PARDONS

Sir Herbert Macaulay – Convicted by British colonial authorities in 1913 for alleged misappropriation of funds; posthumously pardoned, restoring his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.
Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa (46 years at time of death) – Executed in 1986 after being convicted for an alleged coup plot. Granted posthumous pardon.

C. POSTHUMOUS PARDONS: THE OGONI NINE

Ken Saro-Wiwa – Environmental activist executed in 1995 following controversial trial; posthumously pardoned.
Saturday Dobee – Member of the Ogoni Nine; executed in 1995; posthumously pardoned.
Nordu Eawa – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
Daniel Gbooko – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
Paul Levera – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
Felix Nuate – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
Baribor Bera – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
Barinem Kiobel – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.
John Kpuine – Member of the Ogoni Nine; posthumously pardoned.

D. OGONI COMMUNITY LEADERS HONOURED POSTHUMOUSLY

Chief Albert Badey
Chief Edward Kobani
Chief Samuel Orage
Chief Theophilus Orage

These leaders, recognized as victims of the injustice surrounding the Ogoni Nine trials, were honored for their service to their communities and for promoting peace and justice.

PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY

Category: Inmates and former convicts who demonstrated remorse, completed rehabilitation programmes, acquired vocational or educational skills, or met humanitarian conditions for clemency.

Aluagwu Lawrence (47 years) – Convicted in 2015 for the sale of Indian hemp; granted clemency for showing remorse and good behavior.
Ben Friday (60 years) – Jailed three years or fined ₦1.3 million in 2023 for marijuana-related offences; received clemency after demonstrating good conduct.
Oroke Michael Chibueze (21 years) – Convicted in 2023 for possession of cannabis sativa; granted early release due to rehabilitation efforts.
Kelvin Christopher Smith (42 years) – Jailed in 2023 for importing cocaine; granted clemency for remorse and participation in educational programmes.
Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka (31 years) – Convicted in 2021 for cocaine importation; pardoned after serving significant time and completing reform courses.
Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi (47 years) – Sentenced in 2023 for dealing in tramadol; granted clemency after acquiring vocational skills in custody.
Ahmed Adeyemo (38 years) – Serving a 15-year term for cannabis; released after completing over nine years with commendable conduct.
Adeniyi Jimoh (31 years) – Jailed in 2015 for drug offences; freed after nine years of reformation at Kirikiri facility.
Seun Omirinde (39 years) – Convicted in 2015 for drug-related crimes; granted clemency for excellent conduct and rehabilitation.
Adesanya Olufemi Paul (61 years) – Convicted of theft and sentenced to 14 years; released after eight years of exemplary conduct.
Ife Yusuf (37 years) – Convicted in 2019 for human trafficking; granted clemency after six years at Kirikiri due to good behavior and vocational training.
Daniel Bodunwa (43 years) – Sentenced in 2018 for fraudulent land documentation; freed after six years for good conduct and reform.
Fidelis Michael (40 years) – Convicted for cannabis offences; released after demonstrating remorse.
Suru Akande (52 years) – Sentenced to five years for cannabis; pardoned for compliance with rehabilitation standards.
Safiyanu Umar (56 years) – Convicted in 2023 for possession of 5kg of cannabis; pardoned for maturity and positive transformation.
Dahiru Abdullahi (46 years) – Convicted in 2016 for illegal possession of firearms; freed after 10 years of service and reform.
Hamza Abubakar (37 years) – Sentenced in 2022 for possession and sale of Indian hemp; granted early release.
Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki (52 years) – Jailed in 2020 for criminal breach of trust; pardoned for genuine repentance.
Mujibu Muhammad (30 years) – Convicted in 2022 for possession of cannabis; pardoned for showing remorse.
Emmanuel Eze (49 years) – Convicted in 2022 for possession of heroin; granted clemency based on positive behavior.
Bala Azika Yahaya (70 years) – Jailed in 2017 for cannabis; freed for old age and good conduct.
Lina Kusum Wilson (34 years) – Sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide; granted clemency after eight years and for reform efforts.
Buhari Sani (33 years) – Convicted in 2022 for possession of cannabis; granted clemency for compliance with correctional programmes.
Mohammed Musa (27 years) – Convicted in 2022 for possession of 16 grams of cannabis; pardoned for repentance.
Muharazu Abubakar (37 years) – Convicted in 2022 for selling Indian hemp; released after three years in Katsina facility.
Ibrahim Yusuf (34 years) – Convicted in 2022 for possession of Indian hemp; pardoned for reformation.
Saad Ahmed Madaki (72 years) – Convicted in 2020 for financial fraud (419); pardoned for advanced age and good conduct.
Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa (72 years) – Sentenced to life imprisonment in 2005 for murder; freed after 20 years for old age and exemplary conduct.
Richard Ayuba (38 years) – Convicted in 2022 for selling Indian hemp; pardoned for discipline and repentance.
Adam Abubakar (30 years) – Sentenced in 2022 for possession of tramadol; granted clemency after rehabilitation.
Emmanuel Yusuf (34 years) – Convicted in 2022 for tramadol possession; released after correctional training.
Edwin Nnazor (60 years) – Sentenced in 2018 for cannabis; freed after six years and nine months of discipline.
Chinedu Stanley (34 years) – Convicted in 2023 for producing fake lubricant oil; granted clemency for reform.
Joseph Nwanoka (42 years) – Convicted in 2022 for drug-related crimes; released following rehabilitation.
Johnny Ntheru (63 years) – Jailed in 1989 for robbery and served 36 years in Umuahia; released due to age and repentance.
John Omotiye (28 years) – Convicted for pipeline vandalism; pardoned for reformation.
Nsikat Edet Harry (37 years) – Sentenced in 2023 for possession of narcotics (Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin); granted clemency.
Jonathan Asuquo (28 years) – Convicted in 2022 for drug offences; pardoned for remorse and retraining.
Prince Samuel Peters (54 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for obtaining money under false pretense; released after serving four years.
Babangida Saliu (35 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Adamu Sanni (39 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; released after reform.
Abdulkareem Salisu (30 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; pardoned after positive conduct.
Abdulaziz Lawal (18 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; freed under rehabilitation arrangement.
Abdulrahman Babangida (20 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Maharazu Alidu (22 years) – Jailed for illegal mining; pardoned for remorse.
Zaharadeen Baliue (38 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Babangida Usman (30 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; pardoned.
Zayyanu Abdullahi (28 years) – Jailed for illegal mining; released under rehabilitation program.
Bashir Garuba (20 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Imam Suleman (25 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Abbeh Amisu (28 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; pardoned.
Lawani Lurwanu (20 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Yusuf Alhassan (33 years) – Jailed for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Abdullahi Isah (25 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; released.
Zayanu Bello (35 years) – Sentenced for illegal mining; pardoned.
Habeeb Suleman (22 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Jubrin Sahabi (23 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Shefiu Umar (28 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; released.
Seidu Abubakar (29 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Haruna Abubakar (24 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Rabiu Seidu (26 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Macha Kuru (25 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Zahradeen Aminu (25 years) – Sentenced for illegal mining; released.
Nazipi Musa (25 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Abdullahi Musa (30 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Habibu Safiu (20 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Husseni Sani (21 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Musa Lawali (25 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; released.
Suleiman Lawal (23 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Yusuf Iliyasu (21 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Sebiyu Aliyu (20 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; released.
Halliru Sani (18 years) – Convicted for illegal mining; pardoned.
Shittu Aliyu (30 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Sanusi Aminu (27 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Isiaka Adamu (40 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; released.
Mamman Ibrahim (50 years) – Jailed in 2024 for illegal mining; granted clemency.
Shuaibu Abdullahi (35 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Sanusi Adamu (28 years) – Sentenced for illegal mining; released.
Sadi Musa (20 years) – Convicted in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.
Haruna Isah (35 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for illegal mining; pardoned.

Note: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed a formal undertaking to facilitate rehabilitation and empowerment for all released illegal miners, ensuring their reintegration into lawful economic activities.

Abiodun Elemero (43 years) – Convicted in 2014 for cocaine trafficking; granted clemency after 10 years at Kirikiri for remorse.
Maryam Sanda (37 years) – Sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide; granted clemency on humanitarian grounds after six years of good conduct and reform, and for the welfare of her two children.

SENTENCE REDUCTIONS AND COMMUTATIONS

Category: Inmates who had their sentences reduced as a result of good conduct, remorse, old age, ill-health, or active participation in rehabilitation and academic programmes.

Yusuf Owolabi (36 years) – Convicted in 2015 for manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment. After 10 years of reformation at Kirikiri, his sentence was reduced to 12 years.
Ifeanyi Eze (33 years) – Convicted in 2021 for manslaughter and sentenced to life. Term reduced to 12 years after demonstrating remorse and learning vocational skills.
Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman (59 years) – Convicted in 2022 for armed robbery and possession of firearms. Life sentence reduced to 10 years due to good behavior.
Shettima Maaji Arfo (54 years) – Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for corrupt practices; term reduced to four years due to ill-health and repentance.
Ajasper Benzeger (69 years) – Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for culpable homicide; term cut to 12 years on account of old age and failing health.
Ifenna Kennechukwu (42 years) – Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for cocaine importation; reduced to 12 years for remorse and skill acquisition.
Mgbeike Matthew (45 years) – Convicted in 2013 for importing 3.10 kg of cocaine; sentence reduced from 20 to 12 years after vocational training.
Patrick Mensah (40 years) – Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drug trafficking; reduced to 11 years.
Obi Edwin Chukwu (43 years) – Convicted in 2017 for drug offences; sentence reduced from 15 to 10 years.
Tunde Balogun (32 years) – Sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drug crimes; reduced to 10 years for good conduct.
Lima Pereira Erick Diego (27 years) – Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or ₦20 million fine for drug importation; reduced to 10 years.
Uchegbu Emeka Michael (37 years) – Convicted in 2017 for drug trafficking; sentence reduced from 15 to 10 years.
Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen (46 years) – Sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drug offences; term cut to 10 years.
Napolo Osariemen (61 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for possession of 2 kg of Indian hemp; reduced to 7 years.
Patricia Echoe Igninovia (61 years) – Convicted in 2023 for human trafficking; term reduced from seven to five years.
Odeyemi Omolaram (65 years) – Sentenced in 2017 to 25 years for drug-related offences; reduced to 12 years due to age and repentance.
Vera Daniel Ifork (29 years) – Convicted in 2020 for human trafficking; sentence reduced to 8 years.
Gabriel Juliet Chidimma (32 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to six years for cocaine-related offences; term reduced to 4 years.
Dias Santos Marcia Christiana (44 years) – Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cocaine importation; term reduced to 10 years.
Alhaji Ibrahim Hameed (71 years) – Convicted in 2023 for property fraud; sentence reduced to 5 years due to age.
Alhaji Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi (65 years) – Sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property under false pretense; term reduced to 7 years.
Chief Emeka Agbodike (69 years) – Convicted in 2023 for fraud; term reduced from seven to three years.
Isaac Justina (40 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis possession; reduced to 4 years.
Aishat Kehinde (38 years) – Convicted in 2022 for cannabis; sentence reduced to 4 years.
Helen Solomon (68 years) – Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis; term reduced to 3 years.
Okoye Tochukwu (43 years) – Convicted in 2024 for cannabis; sentence reduced to 3 years.
Ugwueze Paul (38 years) – Sentenced in 2024 for cannabis; reduced to 3 years.
Mutsapha Ahmed (46 years) – Convicted in 2022 for criminal breach of trust; reduced from seven to five years.
Abubakar Mamman (38 years) – Convicted in 2020 for possession of firearms; sentence reduced to 7 years.
Muhammed Bello Musa (35 years) – Convicted in 2020 for firearms possession; term reduced to 7 years.
Nnamdi Anene (67 years) – Sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment for illegal arms dealing; term reduced to 20 years.
Alhaji Abubakar Tanko (61 years) – Sentenced in 2018 to 30 years for culpable homicide; reduced to 20 years.
Chisom Francis Wisdom (30 years) – Convicted in 2018 for kidnapping; term reduced from 20 to 12 years.
Innocent Brown Idiong (60 years) – Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of Indian hemp; reduced to 6 years.
Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem (46 years) – Convicted in 2021 to seven years imprisonment; reduced to 5 years.
Ada Audu (72 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to seven years at Kuje Correctional Centre; term reduced to 4 years on grounds of age.
Bukar Adamu (40 years) – Sentenced in 2019 to 20 years for advance fee fraud; reduced to 9 years.
Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe (44 years) – Convicted in 2023 for kidnapping; sentence reduced to 13 years after rehabilitation through NOUN.
Frank Azuekor (42 years) – Convicted in 2023 for kidnapping; term reduced to 13 years for good conduct.
Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus (47 years) – Sentenced in 2014 to life imprisonment for drug offences; term commuted to 13 years.
Professor Magaji Garba (67 years) – Convicted in 2021 for obtaining money under false pretense; sentence reduced from seven to four years due to age and good conduct.
Markus Yusuf (41 years) – Convicted in 2023 for culpable homicide; sentence reduced to 5 years due to illness.
Samson Ajayi (31 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs; term reduced to 7 years.
Iyabo Binyoyo (49 years) – Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drug-related offences; reduced to 9 years.
Oladele Felix (49 years) – Convicted in 2022 for exploitation and conspiracy; reduced from five to four years.
Rakiya Beida (33 years) – Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for theft; term reduced to 3 years.
Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi (44 years) – Convicted in 2018 for cocaine export; sentence reduced to 8 years.
Chukwudi Destiny (36 years) – Convicted in 2022 for heroin importation; sentence reduced to 4 years.
Felix Rotimi Esemokhai (47 years) – Sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin; reduced to 4 years.
Major S.A. Akubo (62 years) – Convicted in 2009 for illegal removal of 7,000 weapons; life sentence commuted to 20 years.
John Ibiam (39 years) – Sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter; reduced to 10 years.
Omoka Aja (40 years) – Sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter; reduced to 10 years.
Chief Jonathan Alatoru (66 years) – Sentenced in 2021 for conspiracy to cheat; term reduced from seven to five years.
Umanah Ekaette Umanah (70 years) – Convicted in 2022 for forgery; sentence reduced to 5 years.
Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka (60 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for fraud; reduced from seven to five years.
Jude Saka Ebaragha (44 years) – Convicted in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Frank Insort Abaka (46 years) – Convicted in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Shina Alolo (42 years) – Convicted in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Joshua Iwiki (50 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for same offence; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
David Akinseye (44 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for hijacking conspiracy; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Ahmed Toyin (46 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a vessel; term reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Shobajo Saheed (57 years) – Convicted in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a vessel; reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Adamole Philip (52 years) – Convicted in 2020 for hijacking conspiracy; term reduced to 7 years, fine waived.
Mathew Masi (39 years) – Convicted in 2020 for hijacking conspiracy; sentence reduced to 6 years, fine waived.
Bright Agbedeyi (46 years) – Convicted in 2020 for hijacking conspiracy; granted same reprieve as others in his category.

DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Category: Inmates originally sentenced to death, who had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

All beneficiaries under this category were considered deserving of clemency after spending several years on death row, exhibiting repentance, maintaining good conduct, or suffering deteriorating health while incarcerated.

Emmanuel Baba (38 years) – Convicted in 2017 for culpable homicide and sentenced to death; after eight years on death row at Kuje Correctional Centre, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment for good conduct and remorse.
Emmanuel Gladstone (45 years) – Sentenced in 2020 for murder and detained at Katsina Custodial Centre; after five years of reform and rehabilitation, his death sentence was converted to life imprisonment.
Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi (51 years) – Convicted in 2012 for culpable homicide and confined on death row in Katsina for 13 years; commuted to life imprisonment due to sustained good behavior.
Abubakar Usman (59 years) – Sentenced to death in 2014 and held at Katsina Custodial Centre for 14 years; punishment reduced to life imprisonment after consistent evidence of remorse.
Khalifa Umar (37 years) – Convicted in 2014 and sentenced to death at Kano Custodial Centre; term commuted to life imprisonment for rehabilitation progress and discipline.
Benjamin Ekeze (40 years) – Convicted in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy; after 12 years on death row at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
Mohammed Umar (43 years) – Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and held at Onitsha Custodial Centre for seven years; punishment reduced to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds and good conduct.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Presidency reaffirmed that the 2025 Presidential Pardon and Clemency exercise represents a renewed effort to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system by balancing justice with compassion.

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s belief that the rule of law must incorporate mercy where genuine repentance and rehabilitation are evident.

He stated that the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), had meticulously reviewed each case before making its recommendations.

The committee considered behavioral reports from correctional centers, educational and vocational training participation, medical records, and rehabilitation progress of each inmate before submitting the final list to the President.

The exercise also corrected historic injustices, including the posthumous pardons granted to Sir Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, led by the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose executions in 1995 drew global condemnation.

Additionally, President Tinubu honored four Ogoni community leaders Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage as victims of past political persecution.

Furthermore, 36 convicts engaged in illegal mining were released under a structured rehabilitation and empowerment program, overseen by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, who undertook responsibility for their reintegration into society.

The Presidency emphasized that the exercise is aligned with President Tinubu’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen restorative justice, human rights protection, and humane correctional administration in Nigeria.

“This act of mercy underscores the President’s conviction that justice must heal rather than destroy,” Onanuga said.
“It offers a chance for reformed citizens to reintegrate into society and contribute positively to national development.”

The Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service have been directed to implement the President’s directives and ensure proper supervision of the released and rehabilitated persons, with particular focus on monitoring, reintegration, and follow-up rehabilitation.

Stanley NwakoOctober 12, 2025 8:41 am

16 minutes read