President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of convicted kidnappers, drug traffickers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and illegal arms dealers from the federal government’s prerogative of mercy list.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the move in a statement on Wednesday, saying it followed consultations with the Council of State and growing public concern over some names earlier approved for pardon.
“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 said. “Others had their sentences commuted after review.”
The presidency said the decision was driven by national security concerns, public sentiment, and the need to uphold justice for victims while maintaining morale among law enforcement agencies.
Tinubu had earlier approved a list of 175 pardoned persons, including historical figures such as nationalist Herbert Macaulay, former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986.
The initial pardon list sparked outrage, particularly after reports that Maryam Sanda sentenced to death for killing her husband was among those granted clemency. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi later confirmed the list would be reviewed, leading to Tinubu’s latest directive.
The final, revised list has now been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
