President Bola Tinubu has revoked the earlier presidential pardon granted to dozens of convicted drug offenders, kidnappers, arms dealers, illegal miners, and others.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who said the move followed widespread public criticism and a review ordered by the president.
Tinubu initially approved clemency for about 175 convicts, including several drug offenders — a decision that sparked outrage among Nigerians.
According to Onanuga, “Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list under his powers of prerogative of mercy as provided in Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution.”
As a result, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession were removed from the list. Others previously pardoned had their sentences merely reduced instead.
Tinubu, however, maintained clemency for 15 individuals, including departed national figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, as well as former lawmaker Farouk Lawan. He also commuted the death sentences of four inmates to life imprisonment.
Explaining the rationale behind the reversal, Onanuga said the review was guided by national security concerns, respect for victims, and the need to uphold public confidence in the justice system.
“The seriousness of the offences, the security implications, and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies informed this decision,” the statement read.
To improve future exercises, President Tinubu ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice. He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines to ensure that only qualified persons benefit from future clemency grants.
The president expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback from Nigerians and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and a fairer justice system.
Reuben Abati
