Tinubu removes kidnappers, drug, human traffickers from presidential pardon list
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive review of the recent presidential pardon list, directing the removal of individuals convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the list of beneficiaries.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.
“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of his discretionary powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the statement read.
Read also:Presidential pardon still under review — FG
As a result, convicts involved in serious crimes were excluded, while others previously pardoned had their sentences commuted. Tinubu’s move, according to the statement, was guided by national security concerns, the need to respect victims’ rights, support law enforcement morale, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.
The revised list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
Onanuga also revealed that Tinubu directed the relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Earlier this month, the President granted clemency to 175 individuals—including historical figures such as Herbert Macaulay, former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, and late Major General Mamman Vatsa. The initial list drew public criticism after it included convicts involved in serious offences such as drug crimes and murder, prompting the review.
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