President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of individuals convicted of serious crimes—including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms from Nigeria’s latest presidential pardon list.
The decision, announced on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, follows consultations with the Council of State and a review 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,” Onanuga said. “Certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms have been deleted from the list.”
According to the statement, the review was guided by the need to uphold public safety, respect victims’ rights, maintain public confidence in the justice system, and honour Nigeria’s international obligations.
“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and society also guided the review,” it added.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has reportedly received the revised list for immediate implementation.
Earlier this month, President Tinubu granted clemency to 175 people after approval from the Council of State. The list included figures such as Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s early nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former lawmaker convicted of bribery; and Mamman Vatsa, a former major general executed for alleged treason in 1986.
However, the inclusion of convicts found guilty of violent or high-profile crimes sparked widespread public criticism. Among the controversial cases was Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello.
Following public backlash, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi confirmed that the pardon list would undergo review—a process that has now led to the exclusion of several offenders.
The presidential pardon, also known as the “prerogative of mercy”, allows the president to commute sentences or pardon offenders in accordance with Section 175 of Nigeria’s Constitution.