Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has directed a review of the presidential pardon given to approximately 175 individuals at the National Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025, amidst widespread public backlash over the inclusion of persons convicted of serious crimes.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy by signing the instruments of release for the revised list of beneficiaries.
Onanuga stated that the President’s decision was informed by consultations with the Council of State and public feedback.
Following this adjustment the earlier pardon of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, has been revoked.
The review was carried out using the discretionary powers provided by Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” the statement read.
The presidency notes that the decision was influenced by the severity of the offences, national security considerations, and the need to respect the feelings of crime victims and the broader society.
“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, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review,” Onanuga added.
The revised list has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
Tinubu directed the transfer 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, aiming to enhance future pardon processes.
The Attorney-General of the Federation was also instructed to develop new guidelines for presidential mercy, requiring consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals receive future clemency.
