President Tinubu has signed documents finalising pardon decisions for selected convicted individuals.
Some offences were removed from the list as government prioritizes safety and justice balance nationwide.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the legal documents required to complete the granting of pardon and clemency to selected convicted individuals.
According to the Presidency, the final list was reviewed after consultations with the Council of State and feedback from the public. The review was carried out under the President’s constitutional authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.
As a result, persons convicted for crimes including kidnapping, drug offences, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms were removed from the initial list. Some previously approved beneficiaries are no longer pardoned but now have their sentences reduced.
The statement explained that the decision was guided by public safety concerns, the impact on victims, and the need to support the work of security agencies. It added that justice must take into account the rights of the offender, the victim, and the society.
The approved list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for full execution.
Going forward, Tinubu has ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice. He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to provide clear guidelines for future pardon exercises, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecutors.
