Tinubu Removes Convicted Kidnappers, Drug Peddlers From Pardon List

By Chinedu Echianu

President Bola Tinubu has signed instruments of release formally granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals convicted of various offences across the country.

The move follows consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, leading to a review of the initial list of recommended beneficiaries.

Under the President’s constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy, exercised pursuant to Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the reviewed list excludes individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or dealing in firearms.

According to a State House statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, some convicts previously included in the old list had their sentences commuted instead of full pardon.

The review, the statement said, was guided by the need to maintain national security, uphold justice for victims, strengthen public confidence in law enforcement, and honour Nigeria’s international obligations.

President Tinubu has directed that the approved list of eligible beneficiaries be transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation.

In a related development, the President ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies, to ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from future clemency exercises.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation for public feedback on the matter and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and improved justice administration in Nigeria.