Politics
Prerogative Of Mercy: Tinubu Excludes Serious Crime Convicts, Tightens Rules For Future Pardons
were removed from the list, while others had their sentences commuted.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy, granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals previously convicted for various offences.
The action follows consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent review of the initial list, after which the President directed that certain categories of offenders be excluded from consideration.
According to the presidency, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were removed from the list, while others had their sentences commuted.
Officials familiar with the review said the President’s decision was guided by the need to uphold justice as a balance between the rights of the accused, victims, and the state, while also reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that the move became necessary in view of the gravity of some offences and the importance of being sensitive to victims and the wider society. He added that the President’s action also aligns with Nigeria’s bilateral obligations and the administration’s commitment to justice reform.
The final list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To improve future exercises, President Tinubu has directed the 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 comprehensive guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
The President expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from stakeholders and members of the public and reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and a fairer system of justice administration in Nigeria.
