BREAKING: Tinubu bows to pressure, excludes convicted Kidnappers, Fraudsters, Drug Offenders from clemency list

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of individuals convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the federal government’s list of beneficiaries under the prerogative of mercy.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, following consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.

According to the statement, Tinubu signed the necessary instruments to formalize the exercise of his constitutional power to grant pardon and clemency to certain individuals.

However, after reviewing the initially approved list, the President directed that persons convicted of serious crimes be deleted due to the gravity and security implications of their offences.

“Certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list.

Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” the statement read.

The President’s decision, the statement added, was influenced by the need to respect victims’ rights, maintain public confidence, boost law enforcement morale, and honour Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

In addition, President Tinubu 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.

The Attorney-General of the Federation has also been instructed to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, which must include mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from future pardons.

Tinubu expressed appreciation for the feedback from the public and stakeholders, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and a fairer justice system in Nigeria.

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