President Bola Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon for several Nigerians, exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The decision, announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, followed consultations with the Council of State and other key stakeholders.
According to the statement, the president approved the release and commutation of sentences for select individuals after a thorough review of the initial list of beneficiaries.
Persons convicted of serious offences—including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms—were removed from the list. Among them is Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
“The review became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of victims and society, and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.
Tinubu highlighted that the exercise reflects justice as a “three-way traffic” involving the accused, the victim, and the state.
The signed instruments, dated October 21, 2025, include pardons for notable Nigerians such as the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and Herbert Macaulay. Others, including Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar, had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
To enhance the process, the president directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice.
Tinubu also mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the power of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies for future recommendations.
“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from such instruments of release,” the president stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the strengthening of Nigeria’s justice system.
