BREAKING: Tinubu reverses pardons for convicted kidnappers, fraudsters, others

BREAKING: Tinubu reverses pardons for convicted kidnappers, fraudsters, others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reversed aspects of the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to 175 convicts, following widespread public backlash over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes.

In a statement issued Tuesday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency announced that persons convicted of offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession have been removed from the clemency list.

The move comes after intense criticism over the inclusion of Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Sanda had spent over six years at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre before being listed among the beneficiaries of the presidential pardon.

Onanuga said the President acted after consultations with the Council of State and in response to public sentiment. “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes… were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” he stated.

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The Presidency explained that the review was necessary due to the gravity of the offences and their implications for national security, public trust, and the morale of law enforcement agencies. It also cited the need to respect victims’ feelings and uphold Nigeria’s international obligations.

In a bid to prevent future controversies, President Tinubu directed the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice. He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to issue new guidelines for the exercise of presidential mercy, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies.

The President thanked Nigerians for their feedback and reaffirmed his commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the justice system.

The initial clemency list had sparked outrage among citizens and civil society groups, who questioned the rationale behind granting mercy to individuals convicted of violent and high-profile crimes.

BREAKING: Tinubu reverses pardons for convicted kidnappers, fraudsters, others