ABUJA, October 29, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instruments of clemency granting pardon and commutation of sentences to selected inmates across the country — but with a decisive tightening of the mercy process to prevent abuse and uphold public confidence.
The President’s latest action formally concludes the exercise of his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu approved the release of eligible beneficiaries after wide consultations with the Council of State and careful consideration of public opinion.
However, the President ordered a review of the initial list, deleting names of convicts found guilty of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession, citing the “seriousness and security implications” of such offences.
“Others who had been previously pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” the statement added.
President Tinubu explained that the decision was guided by the principle of justice as a three-way traffic — balancing the rights of the accused, the victims, and society. He said the review was also necessary to protect victims’ sensitivities, boost law enforcement morale, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.
To strengthen transparency and credibility in future exercises, President Tinubu 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.
He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop new guidelines for the exercise of clemency powers — including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies — to ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from future presidential pardons.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the “constructive feedback and engagement” from citizens and stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the rule of law.
The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
