President Bola Tinubu has ordered the exclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the Federal Government’s latest prerogative of mercy list.
This directive, which reflects a significant policy reversal, followed widespread public concern over reports that some notorious offenders might benefit from the government’s clemency initiative.
The decision was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said Tinubu’s action underscores his commitment to justice, accountability, and public safety.
According to the statement, the President formally exercised his constitutional power of mercy under Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) but also ordered a further review of the initial list previously approved for consideration.
The review came after consultations with the Council of State and careful evaluation of public opinion, ensuring that the process aligns with both national security priorities and the sentiments of victims affected by crime.
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list,” Onanuga stated.
He added that other individuals who had earlier been recommended for clemency in the original draft list had their sentences commuted instead of being fully pardoned.
In addition, President Tinubu has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new operational guidelines governing the future exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
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The guidelines will require compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies — including the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and law enforcement bodies — before any clemency recommendations are approved.
This, the statement explained, will ensure that only deserving individuals who meet strict legal and procedural conditions benefit from government leniency.
The President’s intervention was reportedly influenced by concerns about the potential backlash that could arise if individuals convicted of grave crimes were released under a blanket pardon.
Officials said the review aimed to balance compassion with accountability, guided by what Tinubu described as “the principle of justice as a three-way traffic involving the accused, the victim, and society.”
The final approved list of eligible beneficiaries has now been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation.
Meanwhile, Tinubu also ordered the relocation of the Prerogative of Mercy Secretariat from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The move, according to the presidency, is designed to improve transparency, build public confidence, and strengthen due process in future clemency exercises.
President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their constructive feedback and reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms, fairness, and the restoration of integrity in Nigeria’s justice system.
