– Convicts of kidnapping, drug and human trafficking excluded from pardon
The Federal Government of Nigeria has released the final list of beneficiaries under the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved instruments granting pardon, clemency, and commutation of sentences to selected offenders. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Fagbemi, following consultations with the Council of State, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the initial list after receiving public and institutional feedback. The review, he said, has now been completed and approved by the President.
> “This exercise ensures that only persons who meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from the prerogative of mercy,” Fagbemi stated.
He explained that some individuals initially recommended were found not to have met the necessary criteria and were therefore delisted. In other cases, sentences were reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and compassion—the core principles of the exercise.
Fagbemi emphasized that the review process was carried out with strict adherence to due process, reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to justice sector reform and humane correctional practices consistent with international standards.
To enhance transparency in future exercises, the President has relocated the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also directed the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines for granting clemency, which include mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only duly qualified persons are considered.
Fagbemi expressed appreciation to the public for their patience and constructive feedback, assuring Nigerians of the government’s continued effort to promote a justice system that upholds human dignity while maintaining national security and social order.
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List of Beneficiaries
Commutation of Death Sentences to Life Imprisonment
Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, and Saad Ahmed Madaki.
Others include Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley, Johnny Ntheru Udor, Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
Persons Granted Presidential Pardon
Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, and Nordu Eawo.
Others include Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Reduced Terms of Imprisonment
Yusuf Owolabi, Ifeanyi Eze, Ibrahim Sulaiman, Patrick Mensah, Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira, Erick Diego, Uchegbu Emeka Michael, and several others listed in the official gazette.
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Convicts of Kidnapping, Drug and Human Trafficking Excluded
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the exclusion of persons convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the federal pardon list.
In a separate statement, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.
> “Following consultations with the Council of State and public feedback, the President directed a review of the initially approved list in line with his powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” Onanuga said.
“Consequently, individuals convicted of serious crimes were removed from the list, while others had their sentences commuted.”
Tinubu explained that the action was necessary given the gravity of the offences and the need to remain sensitive to victims and the wider society.
He added that the measure would help strengthen law enforcement morale and align Nigeria with its international obligations.
> “Justice is a three-way traffic—for the accused, the victim, and the state. This principle guided the review,” the President said.
The approved list has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with duly signed instruments of release.
Onanuga noted that the President also approved the relocation of the Mercy Committee’s Secretariat to the Ministry of Justice and directed the Attorney-General to issue new operational guidelines to ensure only eligible persons benefit from future clemency exercises.
Tinubu thanked stakeholders for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform, accountability, and effective justice delivery across the country.