President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive review of the presidential pardon list, signing new instruments of release to exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy while removing several controversial beneficiaries.
A key change in the revised list is the revocation of the pardon earlier granted to Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello. Her death sentence has now been commuted to 12 years’ imprisonment following a reassessment of the 175 convicts previously approved for clemency.
According to a statement by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the number of beneficiaries has been reduced from 175 to 120 after consultations with the Council of State. The decision followed public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes.
President Tinubu ordered the removal of offenders found guilty of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms from the list. Some others had their sentences commuted rather than fully pardoned.
The Presidency explained that the review was guided by the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic” — ensuring fairness to the accused, compassion for victims, and protection of public interest. It added that considerations were given to the security implications of releasing violent offenders and the need to sustain public confidence in the justice system.
For better oversight, the President directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises, including mandatory consultations with prosecuting agencies.
The revised list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and the preservation of public trust in the justice system.
