October 29, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has signed the instruments of clemency and pardon to conclude the constitutional process of granting mercy to selected inmates convicted for various offences, but with a firm exclusion of those convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms offences.
A statement issued by the State House Digital Communications Unit, on Wednesday, said the decision followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion, in line with the President’s powers under Section 175(1)&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to the statement, the President directed a comprehensive review of the initially approved list to ensure that only deserving individuals benefit from the exercise. Those previously convicted of grave offences were deleted from the list, while others had their sentences commuted.
“Consequently, 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 clarified.
The Presidency explained that the exclusion of certain offenders was necessary due to the seriousness of their crimes, their security implications, and the need to respect the feelings of victims and the general public.
“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, and to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies”, the statement read.
It added that the President’s decision was also informed by the principle of justice as a three-way responsibility between the accused, the victim, and the state.
The approved list of beneficiaries has since been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.
In a significant administrative change, President Tinubu ordered the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The move, the statement noted, is to ensure that future exercises of the prerogative of mercy are conducted with greater transparency, legal rigour, and adherence to established best practices.
President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue comprehensive Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, including mandatory consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies before any approval.
The guidelines, he said, will ensure that only individuals who fully meet stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from future clemency exercises.
The President commended public stakeholders, civil society, and citizens for their constructive engagement and feedback on the matter, noting that their input contributed to refining the process.
Reaffirming his commitment to judicial reform and the rule of law, President Tinubu stated that the new approach to clemency demonstrates his administration’s resolve to balance mercy with justice and strengthen public confidence in the Nigerian justice system.
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