TINUBU REVERSES CLEMENCY, RELOCATES PREROGATIVE OF MERCY SECRETARIAT TO JUSTICE MINISTRY
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the official instruments of clemency and pardon, exercising his constitutional powers to grant mercy to selected convicts while excluding offenders of serious crimes.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 29, 2025, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the President’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent review of the initial list of beneficiaries after considering public feedback and security implications.
“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of his discretionary powers,” the statement read.
The review led to the removal of individuals convicted of serious offences, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession, from the list. Some previously approved beneficiaries had their sentences commuted instead of being pardoned outright.
Onanuga explained that President Tinubu’s action was guided by a balance between compassion and national security, as well as the need to uphold public confidence in the justice system.
“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 victims and society in general, and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To enhance transparency and accountability in future exercises, the President 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.
Additionally, President Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to develop new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before approval.
“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,” the statement said.
The President also appreciated the feedback received from stakeholders and members of the public, reaffirming his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and effective justice delivery across Nigeria.
“The President reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
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