Many Names Missing as Presidency releases Revised Pardon List

Many Names Missing as Presidency releases Revised Pardon List

The Presidency has released a revised list of inmates granted Presidential Clemency, following widespread criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the updated list on Wednesday, noting that several names had been removed after further review.

Earlier in the month, Onanuga had revealed that President Bola Tinubu had granted pardons to select inmates. However, the initial list, which included convicts sentenced for murder, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and other grave offences, sparked public outrage.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned the move, calling it “a national disgrace” and an abuse of presidential powers. Human rights organizations and civil society groups also voiced strong objections.

In response to the backlash, Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi clarified that although the committee he chaired recommended clemency, none of the listed individuals had been released. He confirmed that the list was undergoing further scrutiny.

Onanuga’s statement explained that President Tinubu had formally executed the instruments of release for those who met the criteria, in line with his constitutional powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Following consultations with the Council of State and public feedback, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the original list.

As a result, individuals convicted of crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, fraud, and arms dealing were removed. Others previously listed had their sentences commuted rather than fully pardoned.

The Presidency emphasized that the decision was guided by the gravity of the offences, the need to respect victims’ sentiments, uphold public safety, and maintain the morale of law enforcement agencies. The concept of justice as a balance between the accused, the victim, and society also informed the revisions.

The final list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation. To improve future clemency processes, President Tinubu ordered the relocation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice.

He also directed the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any clemency is granted.

The President expressed appreciation for the public’s engagement and assured that future exercises would align with legal standards and societal expectations.