Tinubu signs instruments of clemency and pardons, directs Correctional Service on implementation (Updated Lists)

*The Nigerian Presidency affirms the approved instruments of release for eligible beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals earlier convicted for various offences have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals earlier convicted for various offences in Nigeria.

Following consultations with the country’s Council of State and public opinion on the matter, President Tinubu directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of his discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this development in a statement Tuesday, October 29, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, said consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes, such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, and so on were deleted from the list.

The statement noted that others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.

Updated Lists Credit: BayoOnanuga/X

The Presidency further explained that this action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations.

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Onanuga stated the concept of justice as a three-way traffic for “the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society” also guided the review.

According to him, the approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the Nigerian leader has 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.

Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

This process, the statement noted, will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.

Onanuga said the President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this important matter.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria, the statement added.