President Tinubu
By Ab Susan
President Bola Tinubu has approved pardons for 120 convicts under the prerogative of mercy, trimming an initial list of 175 beneficiaries to 120. This move reflects his commitment to ongoing judicial and correctional reforms. The revised list includes individuals granted clemency, commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment, and reduced terms of imprisonment.
The president’s decision was influenced by the gravity of offences, national security concerns, and the need to respect victims’ and public sentiments. Tinubu has directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to the Ministry of Justice and instructed the Attorney-General to issue guidelines for future pardons. This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
Some notable individuals who were pardoned include Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro Wiwa, and Saturday Dobee. The president also granted commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment to Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
Tinubu granted reduced terms of imprisonment to 86 persons, including 40 illegal miners and 17 drug offenders. The revised list excludes individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms. Maryam Sanda, who was initially pardoned, had her pardon revoked and was instead given a 12-year imprisonment sentence.
The presidency explained that the decision to revise the list was influenced by the need to balance justice with compassion and promote a humane correctional system. The review was undertaken to ensure fairness and adherence to due process, reflecting Tinubu’s effort to reinforce the administration’s broader commitment to justice reform and humane correctional practices.
