President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the instruments of clemency and pardon for select inmates across the country, completing the constitutional process of exercising his prerogative of mercy.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the action followed consultations with the Council of State and public input on the earlier approved list.
According to the statement, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were excluded from the list, while some previously pardoned persons had their sentences commuted.
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The Presidency said the review was guided by security considerations, the need to respect victims’ rights, support law enforcement morale, and uphold justice as a balance between the accused, the victims, and the state.
The approved list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
In a related development, President Tinubu ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The President also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure transparency and adherence to due process.
President Tinubu, while acknowledging public feedback on the issue, reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice sector reform and strengthening the rule of law.
Find the attached list below:
