Abuja, 29 October 2025 – Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally exercised his constitutional powers to grant pardons and clemency to a select group of convicted individuals, following a thorough review of an initial list amid public and stakeholder consultations.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was announced that the President had signed the necessary instruments of release under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The decision came after deliberations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion, leading to the exclusion of those convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms or arms dealing.
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes… were deleted from the list,” the statement read. “Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.”
The review was guided by several key factors, including the security implications of the offences, sensitivity to the victims and broader society, the need to maintain morale among law enforcement agencies, and adherence to bilateral obligations. The administration emphasised a balanced view of justice as a “three-way traffic” involving the accused, the victim, and the state or society.
The approved list of beneficiaries has now been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation. To enhance future processes and align them with public expectations and best practices, President Tinubu has ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. The body will move from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Additionally, the Attorney-General of the Federation has been directed to develop comprehensive guidelines for exercising the prerogative of mercy. These will mandate consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only those meeting strict legal and procedural criteria receive such instruments.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the “constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public” on the matter. The move underscores his administration’s wider commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the administration of justice in Nigeria.
This development follows recent discussions on the use of presidential pardons, highlighting ongoing efforts to balance mercy with accountability in the nation’s legal system.
