By Nneka Ibe
Abuja, Oct. 30, 2025 โ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a comprehensive review of the Presidential Pardon and Clemency List earlier released under the prerogative of mercy, leading to the removal of several individuals convicted of serious offences.
The review, which followed public criticism and consultations with legal and security experts, saw the number of beneficiaries reduced from 175 to 86. Those convicted of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms were excluded from the revised list.
A statement from the Presidency explained that the review was conducted in line with Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant clemency, pardon, or respite to convicted persons after due consultation with the Council of State.
The Presidency further announced that the Secretariat of the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy has been moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Federal Ministry of Justice to enhance transparency and coordination.
President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to issue new guidelines for future exercises of the prerogative of mercy. The new framework mandates proper consultation with prosecuting agencies and relevant stakeholders before any recommendation is made.
Among those affected by the review is Maryam Sanda, whose initial pardon for a murder conviction was reversed. Her death sentence was reportedly commuted to a 12-year prison term following the reassessment.
While government sources describe the move as necessary to preserve the integrity of the justice system, critics have questioned the legality of revisiting already approved pardons. Legal analyst Frank Tietie argued that a presidential pardon, once sealed, cannot be constitutionally withdrawn.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in a statement on Wednesday, said the move came โtoo little, too late,โ alleging that the reversal followed public outrage rather than principle.
Despite the mixed reactions, the Presidency insists that the review was guided by fairness, public interest, and national security considerations.
โThe administration remains committed to justice that balances the rights of the accused, the victims, and society,โ the statement concluded.
