President Bola Tinubu has signed a revised set of clemency and pardon instruments, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy—but not without major changes.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered a comprehensive review of an earlier approved list, following consultations with the Council of State and public feedback.
Invoking his powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu deleted the names of convicts found guilty of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.
Some individuals earlier marked for full pardon had their sentences reduced instead.
“The decision was guided by the seriousness of certain offences, the rights of victims, national security implications, and the need to maintain public confidence in justice,” Onanuga said.
He explained that the President’s action was also based on the three-way principle of justice — balancing the rights of the accused, the victim, and society.
Maryam Sanda’s Death Sentence Reduced to 12 years
One of the most notable revisions was that of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Her initial death sentence was reduced to 12 years imprisonment.
The official gazette, released Wednesday, said Sanda’s commutation was based on “compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, and due to her good conduct and remorse.”
Sanda, who has spent nearly seven years at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, was initially granted a full pardon under the earlier mercy list. The Presidency had justified the gesture by citing her good behaviour and transformation in custody.
However, following the latest review, her case now stands as a commutation — not a full pardon.
Names of Other Beneficiaries Revealed
The gazette also listed Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar as convicts whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
It read: “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hereby commute the death sentence of the following persons to life imprisonment.”
In an accompanying directive, Tinubu ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to issue new guidelines ensuring compulsory consultation with prosecuting agencies before any future clemency decisions are made.
“This is to ensure that only deserving persons benefit from future exercises,” the statement said.
The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
Mixed Reactions Trail the Decision
The initial clemency list — which reportedly contained 175 names — drew sharp criticism from sections of the public and political leaders.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the move as one that “erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.”
Others, however, commended Tinubu for reviewing the list and excluding those convicted of grave crimes.
The Office of the Attorney-General clarified that no inmate has yet been released, as the process is still undergoing final administrative checks to ensure all legal procedures are followed.
Full List of Clemency Beneficiaries
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