Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Stone Reporters News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardon, clemency, and commutation of death sentences to a total of 34 Nigerians as part of the exercise of his constitutional powers of mercy under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The official documents, titled Instruments of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, were signed by the President on October 21, 2025, marking the completion of the formal process to release, pardon, or reduce the sentences of specific individuals convicted for various offences. The exercise followed consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion on the initial list of proposed beneficiaries.
Under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025, fifteen persons received full presidential pardon. They are Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Among the pardoned are notable figures such as the late environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and other members of the Ogoni Nine, as well as Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed under the military regime of 1986.
Another instrument, titled Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Clemency), 2025, listed fifteen individuals who were granted clemency. They include Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, Saad Ahmed Madaki, Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley, and Johnny Ntheru Udor.
In addition, President Tinubu approved the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment for four inmates, as contained in the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025. The affected persons are Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
Presidency sources said the list was revised after careful consideration to remove individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms. The review was carried out to safeguard national security, ensure fairness to victims, and maintain public confidence in the justice system, while also acknowledging the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
According to the Presidency, the process was guided by the principle of justice as a “three-way traffic,” balancing fairness between the accused, the victims, and the state or society. The approved lists of beneficiaries have since been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
As part of broader reforms to strengthen transparency and coordination in future exercises, President Tinubu directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to the Federal Ministry of Justice. The President also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue clear Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting and security agencies before any future recommendations are approved.
The new guidelines are expected to ensure that only persons who meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from such exercises going forward. President Tinubu, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback received from the public and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The signing of the Instruments of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy represents one of the most comprehensive reviews of clemency and pardon in recent years, balancing compassion with responsibility and respect for national security considerations.
Source: Official Instruments of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (2025), signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
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