Tinubu Approves Revised Clemency List, Moves Mercy Committee Secretariat to Justice Ministry
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instruments of clemency and pardon for selected convicts, completing the constitutional process to exercise his prerogative of mercy.
The decision followed consultations with the National Council of State and consideration of public sentiment. According to the Presidency, the initial list earlier approved for pardon underwent further review to ensure it aligned with national security concerns and justice standards.
Under the revised arrangement, individuals convicted of serious offences including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were excluded. Some previously listed beneficiaries had their sentences commuted instead of outright pardons.
The Presidency said the move was influenced by the need to protect public safety, respect victims of crime, uphold bilateral obligations, and support law enforcement morale. It also referenced the justice principle of balancing the rights of the accused, victims, and society.
The approved names have been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
As part of reforms to strengthen future clemency processes, President Tinubu ordered that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop guidelines that will ensure prosecuting agencies are mandatorily consulted before any pardon or clemency is granted.
This, the Presidency noted, will ensure only deserving applicants benefit from the constitutional mercy powers going forward.
President Tinubu thanked Nigerians and stakeholders for their feedback and reiterated his administration’s commitment to broader judicial reform and enhanced justice delivery.
