President exercises prerogative of mercy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally signed the Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, exercising his constitutional powers under the prerogative of mercy. This action grants clemency and pardon to selected individuals who were previously convicted of various offences, providing a pathway for reintegration into society.
The exercise follows consultations with the Council of State and a careful review of public opinion. In line with these consultations, President Tinubu ordered a further vetting of the previously approved list of beneficiaries to ensure that the exercise aligns with national security, justice, and societal expectations.
Review excludes serious crimes
Following the review, individuals convicted of serious offences—including kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms—were removed from the pardon list. In addition, some previously pardoned individuals had their sentences commuted rather than fully absolved.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, explained that the review was necessary to address the gravity of certain crimes, their implications for public safety, and the need to respect the feelings of victims and society.
“The President considered the importance of upholding the morale of law enforcement agencies and ensuring that justice balances the rights of the accused, the victims, and the state,” the statement said.
Implementation through Nigerian Correctional Service
The revised list of approved beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for immediate implementation. The service will execute the releases in line with the instruments of clemency signed by the President, ensuring that eligible individuals are reintegrated into society under the law.
This step marks a continuation of President Tinubu’s commitment to exercising executive powers responsibly, in a manner that maintains public confidence in the justice system.
Relocation of the Advisory Committee Secretariat
In a related decision aimed at enhancing transparency, President Tinubu ordered the 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 move is intended to align operations with best practices and improve oversight of clemency processes.
New guidelines for future exercises
The President has also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises of the prerogative of mercy. These guidelines will include mandatory consultations with prosecuting agencies before any recommendations for clemency or pardon are made.
This initiative seeks to ensure that future clemency exercises are more transparent, fair, and consistent with national and international legal standards.
Commitment to judicial reform
President Tinubu expressed appreciation for constructive feedback received from members of the public and reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reform and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria. The exercise reflects a careful balance between mercy, justice, and the security interests of the state, emphasizing the government’s dedication to fairness and accountability.
By refining the clemency process and introducing stricter guidelines, the administration aims to strengthen public trust in governance while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and societal reintegration for deserving individuals.
