President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping review of the presidential pardon list, signing new instruments of release to formally exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy while removing several controversial names.
Among the most notable changes, the President revoked the pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 of killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello. Her death sentence has been commuted to 12 years in prison, following a broader reassessment of 175 convicts earlier approved for clemency.
A State House statement issued by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the number of beneficiaries has been reduced from 175 to 120, after consultations with the Council of State and in response to public backlash over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes.
President Tinubu directed the removal of offenders convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms or arms dealing from the list, while others had their sentences commuted rather than fully pardoned.
The Presidency said the review was guided by the principles of justice as a three-way traffic — balancing fairness to the accused, compassion for victims, and the overall interests of society. It added that the decision also considered the security implications of releasing violent offenders, the need to respect the feelings of victims, and the importance of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement.
To ensure stricter oversight, the President 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, and directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
The revised list has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their constructive feedback, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and upholding public trust in the justice system.
Adesuwa Omoruan
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