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 Service for implementation. Tinubu emphasized that justice must balance the rights of the accused, the victims, and the state.
As part of broader justice reforms, the president 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. He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future clemency exercises, ensuring all beneficiaries meet legal and procedural requirements after consultations with prosecuting agencies.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to stakeholders and the public for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice reform and accountability.
The Guardian earlier reported that the initial clemency list had drawn criticism from political leaders and human rights groups, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). They argued that including those convicted of serious crimes undermined the justice system and abused presidential powers.
Out of the 175 initial beneficiaries, 41 were illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers, and 22 convicted murderers. The list also included foreigners, coup plotters, and political figures such as Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, and Maryam Sanda, as well as the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight.
Tinubu’s latest action, the Presidency said, aims to restore credibility to the pardon process and strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria.
About the author
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Pete Edochie says his prayers helped six politicians win elections
Veteran actor Pete Edochie says his prayers contributed to the electoral victories of six Nigerian politicians in the last election cycle . He made the remark while hosting streamer Peller at his residence in Enugu, where he recalled how the politicians visited him before the polls to seek his blessings . Edochie said that two years ago, six people running for political offices came to his house with a big ram and kolanuts, and that he prayed for them . According to him, all six later went on to win their respective elections, which he believes was a result of divine favour . The Nollywood legend said his requests to God are usually granted and maintained that those he has prayed for tend to record success .
Benin Queen palace officials risk removal over Peller’s unauthorised visit
The Benin Traditional Council has warned that a palace queen and some officials may face removal and other sanctions over streamer Peller’s unauthorised visit to the Oba of Benin’s palace . In a statement signed by BTC Secretary Frank Irabor, the council described the incident as a serious breach of palace protocol and a desecration of the sacred precincts of the royal court . Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, reportedly visited the palace on March 6 during a nationwide tour and was received by some palace staff and chiefs . The council said he entered the premises without the required permission and that his conduct and that of his entourage caused embarrassment and a breach of the peace within the palace grounds . It stressed that the Oba’s palace is not a public thoroughfare or a venue […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Spyro says God changed his story after 16 years in music
Afrobeats singer Spyro says 16 years of struggle in the music industry finally paid off three years ago, crediting God for changing his story and lifting his career . In a post shared on social media, he recalled going through a period of deep disappointment and hardship just before his breakthrough came . He explained that it was at his lowest point that things began to turn around, which he believes was a clear sign of divine intervention . Spyro now uses his experience to encourage others who feel stuck or are thinking of giving up on their dreams . He urged them to stay committed, keep working and trust that their own turnaround can still happen no matter how long they have been struggling . The singer said he has been pushing his music for 16 years and never […]
Enzo Fernandez unsure over Chelsea future after Champions League exit
Enzo Fernandez has hinted he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season after the club were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain . Chelsea lost 3 0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, completing an 8 3 aggregate defeat in their last 16 tie against the French champions . The world club champions are currently sixth in the Premier League and risk missing out on Champions League qualification for next season . Fernandez captained Chelsea in the second leg in the absence of injured skipper Reece James but did little to end speculation about his future when speaking after the game . Asked by ESPN if he would still be at Stamford Bridge next season, the 25 year old Argentina midfielder replied that there are eight league matches and the FA Cup still to play, […]
Related
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Tinubu and First Lady receive royal welcome as UK state visit opens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his historic state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was received by King Charles III . This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, marking a significant milestone in relations between both countries . Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was honoured with a 42 gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as part of the formal arrival ceremonies . Earlier, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the Nigerian First Family and escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the historic royal residence . The two day visit will see the King host the president and his wife at Windsor Castle, with activities including an exchange of official gifts and […]
NAF strikes Borno terrorist hideouts after failed attacks
The Nigerian Air Force has carried out precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Abirma, Borno State, destroying several structures and neutralising many fighters along the southern axis of the Lake Chad region . NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were launched on Tuesday, March 17, after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance confirmed the presence of terrorists in the settlement . He explained that follow up aerial surveillance spotted insurgent movements around concealed structures hidden under thick vegetation, a tactic the terrorists often use to avoid detection . Once the targets were positively identified and verified in line with NAF’s operational procedures, air assets executed precision strikes on the locations . According to Ejodame, the strikes destroyed multiple terrorist structures and disrupted their activities, with preliminary battle damage assessment indicating that their capacity to use the area as a […]
Tinubu sets March 31 exit deadline for appointees eyeing 2027 polls
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given ministers and other presidential appointees nursing political ambitions until March 31, 2026, to resign from their positions . The directive was issued through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and is aimed at creating a level playing field ahead of next year’s general election . According to the statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Nengak Goshit, the order is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries . INEC’s timetable stipulates that primaries to select candidates for the January and February 2027 elections must be held between April 23 and May 30, after which parties will submit their candidate lists and electronic registers of members . […]
Will more defence funds make Nigeria safer
Nigeria has spent about 32.88 trillion naira on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of 262.834 trillion naira in that period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Despite these rising allocations, many communities still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence, raising doubts about whether more money alone can make Nigerians safer . Security trackers estimate that over 100,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since 2012, with thousands abducted and about 3.726 million citizens displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The trend has continued into 2026, with at least 1,091 deaths recorded from violent attacks in just the first 41 days of the year, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis despite years of increased defence spending . Against this backdrop, the National […]
Witness details Malami wife hotel account transfers
The trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on alleged money laundering charges resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja with fresh testimony on how funds were moved through a hotel account linked to his wife . A prosecution witness, Daniel Simon Kwayil, a bank compliance officer, told the court that large sums were repeatedly transferred from the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, where Malami’s wife, Asabe Rakiya Bashir, is the sole signatory, to the former minister and his law firm . Kwayil, testifying as the second prosecution witness, identified Malami’s wife in the dock and confirmed that the hotel’s account profile and board resolution listed her as the only signatory, with her identification documents attached to the account opening file . Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November […]