Tinubu reviews clemency list, drops high-risk offenders, orders secretariat’s relocation
President Bola Tinubu has approved a revised list of individuals to benefit from his constitutional prerogative of mercy, granting pardons and sentence reductions to selected convicts. The review followed consultations with the Council of State and public criticism of the initial list released earlier in October. According to the Presidency, the review was conducted under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the president to grant pardons and exercise clemency. Individuals convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms, were removed from the list. Some offenders previously slated for pardon had their sentences reduced instead of being fully released. The Presidency said the review considered the seriousness of offences, impact on victims, national security concerns, and Nigeria’s international obligations. The final list has been sent to the Nigerian Correctional […]