ABUJA
President Bola Tinubu has rescinded clemency previously granted to dozens of convicts, including individuals convicted of murder, drug trafficking, and kidnapping, following widespread public backlash over the initial pardon list released earlier this month.
The revised directive, announced Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, comes after consultations with the National Council of State and a comprehensive review led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The number of beneficiaries has now been reduced from 175 to 120, with several high-profile names removed entirely.
Among those delisted is Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband. Her full pardon has been withdrawn and replaced with a reduced sentence of 12 years. Others convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, armed robbery, and human trafficking were also excluded from the final list.
The Presidency cited national security concerns, victims’ rights, and public sentiment as key reasons for the reversal. “Justice must serve the interests of the accused, the victims, and society,” the statement read.
The revised clemency framework includes:
15 full pardons, mostly symbolic or historical cases such as Herbert Macaulay, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine.
Commutations of death sentences to life imprisonment for four inmates showing remorse and rehabilitation.
Reduced prison terms for over 90 inmates based on good conduct, vocational training, and age-related considerations.
The President also ordered the relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to the Ministry of Justice and mandated stricter guidelines for future clemency decisions, including mandatory input from prosecuting agencies.
This move signals a shift toward a more transparent and restorative justice approach, with Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to legal reform and accountability.
