Tinubu Grants Clemency to Selected Convicts, Transfers Mercy Committee to Justice Ministry
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed instruments of clemency and pardon for selected individuals convicted of various offences, completing the formal process of exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.
The President’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a further review of an earlier approved list in response to public opinion. The review was undertaken in line with the provisions of Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered that persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms dealing be removed from the list of beneficiaries. Some others previously recommended for full pardon had their sentences commuted instead.
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Onanuga explained that the decision was guided by national security considerations, the need to be sensitive to victims of crimes, and the importance of sustaining the morale of law enforcement agencies. He added that President Tinubu’s action also reflected Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral obligations and the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” involving the accused, the victim, and the state.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has already been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a related development, the President directed the immediate 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.
He also mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue new guidelines for future exercises of the presidential prerogative of mercy. The guidelines will make consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies compulsory before any recommendation is made.
Onanuga said the move is aimed at ensuring that only individuals who meet all stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from future clemency exercises.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on the matter. He also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
