By Ola Williams-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of convicts involved in kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the federal government’s clemency list.
The directive followed a review of the initial list of beneficiaries under the government’s prerogative of mercy. The president’s decision was announced on Wednesday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement titled “President Tinubu Signs Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, Moves Secretariat of Prerogative of Mercy Committee to Justice Ministry,” the president exercised his constitutional powers to pardon certain individuals but insisted that those convicted of serious crimes would not benefit.
“The president ordered that individuals convicted of kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and arms dealing be removed from the list,” Onanuga said. “This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of such offences.”
He added that the decision also reflected the government’s sensitivity to victims’ feelings and its commitment to upholding law enforcement morale.
“The review was guided by the principle that justice must be a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state or society,” the statement noted.
The final list of approved beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a move to strengthen transparency and accountability, President Tinubu directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be relocated from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The president also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop new guidelines for future exercises, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before granting clemency.
“President Tinubu appreciates the feedback from the public and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the strengthening of Nigeria’s justice system,” Onanuga added.
