President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally signed instruments of clemency and pardon, completing the process of exercising his constitutional powers to grant mercy to selected individuals previously convicted of various offences.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, which led to a review of the initial list earlier approved for clemency.

In the revised list, individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were removed. Others who had previously been granted full pardons in the old list had their sentences commuted instead.

The Presidency explained that the review was guided by national security considerations, the rights of victims, and the need to uphold the morale of law enforcement agencies while maintaining Nigeria’s bilateral obligations. The process, it added, reflects the President’s commitment to justice as a balance between the rights of the accused, the victim, and society at large.

The approved list of beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.

To strengthen future exercises, President Tinubu also directed the immediate 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 further instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the power of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit.

President Tinubu appreciated the feedback received from stakeholders and reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to comprehensive judicial reforms and improved justice delivery across the country.