By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of convicted kidnappers, drug barons, human traffickers, and other high-profile offenders from the federal pardon list, insisting that those guilty of serious crimes will not benefit from his constitutional powers of mercy.
The President, after extensive consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion, approved a revised list of eligible beneficiaries under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The move followed concerns over the inclusion of convicts whose offences posed grave security and moral implications.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the review led to the deletion of individuals convicted for offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms dealing. Some previously pardoned inmates had their sentences reduced rather than vacated.
The Presidency explained that the decision was guided by the need to uphold justice for victims, maintain public confidence in law enforcement, and protect national security.
“Justice must serve the accused, the victim, and the society,” the statement noted.
The updated list of approved beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
In a structural reform, President Tinubu also directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be relocated from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the Attorney-General of the Federation has been tasked with developing new guidelines for the exercise of presidential clemency, mandating consultations with prosecuting agencies before any future approvals.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the fair administration of justice, stressing that only deserving individuals will henceforth benefit from the prerogative of mercy.
