President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardons and sentence commutations to selected individuals earlier convicted of various offences.

The President’s action followed consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, after which he directed a thorough review of the initial list in accordance with Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Following the review, individuals convicted of grave crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms were removed from the list of beneficiaries. Others who had been granted clemency in previous lists had their sentences commuted instead.

According to the Presidency, the review was guided by the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” — ensuring fairness to the accused, the victim, and the state. The decision also considered national security implications, the morale of law enforcement agencies, and Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.

The final list of approved beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.

In a significant administrative reform, President Tinubu ordered the relocation 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. The move, he said, is aimed at ensuring that future clemency exercises meet public expectations and adhere to international best practices.

Notably, Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, was removed from the list.

List of Those Granted Presidential Clemency

Pardons:

1. Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia

2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar

3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu

4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan

5. Herbert Macaulay

6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa

7. Ken Saro-Wiwa

8. Saturday Dobee

9. Nordu Eawo

10. Daniel Gbooko

11. Paul Levera

12. Felix Nuale

13. Baribor Bera

14. Barinem Kiobel

15. John Kpuine

Death Sentences Commuted to Life Imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba

2. Abubakar Usman

3. Khalifa Umar

4. Mohammed Umar

Clemency Beneficiaries:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze

2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul

3. Daniel Bodunwa

4. Hamza Abubakar

5. Buhari Sani

6. Mohammed Musa

7. Muharazu Abubakar

8. Ibrahim Yusuf

9. Saad Ahmed Madaki

10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa

11. Richard Ayuba

12. Adam Abubakar

13. Emmanuel Yusuf

14. Chinedu Stanley

15. Johnny Ntheru Udor

President Tinubu further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop clear Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies. This measure, he noted, would ensure that only deserving individuals who meet the required legal and procedural standards benefit from future clemency actions.

The President appreciated the constructive feedback from stakeholders and the general public during the review process. He reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.