By Ademola Adekusibe
October 29, 2025.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy, granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals previously convicted of various offences.
The President, after consultations with the Council of State and review of public opinion, ordered a fresh scrutiny of the initial list under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
As a result, individuals convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list. Others who had earlier been pardoned under the old list had their sentences commuted instead of full release.
According to the Presidency, the review became necessary due to the security implications of certain crimes, the need to respect victims’ rights, and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies. The process, it added, was guided by the principle of justice as a three-way traffic, for the accused, the victim, and the state.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has now been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To enhance transparency in future exercises, President Tinubu also directed the relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice, and instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop strict guidelines for the exercise of such powers.
The President expressed appreciation for public feedback and stakeholder engagement, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and a fairer justice system in Nigeria.
