October 29, 2025
Following widespread public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug-related offences, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has significantly reduced the number of convicts slated for presidential pardon, list from 175 to just 34.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, President Tinubu, formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy by signing the instruments of release for the revised list of beneficiaries.
Onanuga, explained that the President’s action was guided by consultations with the Council of State and feedback from the public. The review was conducted under the discretionary powers granted by Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were removed from the list, while some others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.”
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The presidency emphasized that the decision was influenced by the gravity of the offences, national security concerns, and the need to respect the sentiments of crime victims and society at large.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations.
The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review,” Onanuga added.
The revised list has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
President Tinubu, has also 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.
