Tinubu pardon list exclusions
Bola Tinubu has announced a major revision of his earlier clemency list, choosing to exclude individuals convicted of high-impact crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud and unlawful possession of firearms.
The revision was triggered after consultations with the Council of State and taking into account strong public opinion. According to a presidential statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the conviction of serious crimes with security implications necessitated the changes.
In the revised list, those convicted of offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, arms dealing and fraud were removed or had their previously-approved pardons converted into commuted sentences.
Additionally, the President directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. He also instructed the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to issue guidelines ensuring future mercy exercises involve prosecuting agencies and reflect consulted best-practice standards.
This move is positioned as an effort to restore public confidence in the justice process, respect victims’ feelings, boost morale of law-enforcement agencies, and align Nigeria’s clemency practice with international obligations.
