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President Bola Tinubu signs instruments granting pardon and clemency to selected convicts.
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Serious crime offenders excluded from the clemency list after comprehensive review.
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Prerogative of Mercy Secretariat relocated to Justice Ministry to enhance judicial reforms.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of several individuals previously convicted of various offences, exercising his constitutional powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and extensive public input. The President ordered a review of the earlier-approved clemency list to ensure fairness, national security, and social balance.
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In the statement, Mr Onanuga explained that the President deliberately excluded persons convicted of grave crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trading in firearms. He noted that those previously pardoned under the old list had their sentences commuted in line with the new directive.
“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, and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement read.
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The Presidency further clarified that the review was guided by the principle of justice as “a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the society.”
The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a related directive, President Tinubu ordered the immediate 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 fresh guidelines for exercising the prerogative of mercy, mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only qualified individuals benefit.
Mr Onanuga added that the new system will guarantee transparency and credibility in the clemency process.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for public engagement in the review process and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deeper judicial reforms and improved administration of justice across the country.
