President Bola Tinubu has removed a woman, Maryam Sanda and several others accused of murder, kidnapping, and other violent crimes from the presidential pardon list following widespread public backlash.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu confirmed that he had signed the necessary instruments of release to complete the exercise of his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.
The President, however, ordered a thorough review of the earlier approved list after consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.
According to the statement, individuals convicted of grave offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms were deleted from the list.
Others who had been previously pardoned had their sentences merely commuted rather than fully discharged.
The decision, the Presidency explained, was guided by national security concerns, sensitivity to victims’ families, and the need to maintain public trust in the justice system.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.”
The revised list, which has now been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation, includes individuals granted clemency, commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment, and posthumous pardons.
Among those granted clemency are 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.
Those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment include Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
The President also granted full pardons to several historical and political figures, including the late Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and members of the Ogoni Nine—Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Others on the pardon list include Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, and nationalist Herbert Macaulay.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed the 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 also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue clear guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
According to the statement, “This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter. President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
Sanda was convicted in 2020 by the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, the son of a former PDP National Chairman, Haliru Bello.
Her death sentence, which drew nationwide attention, is currently under appeal.
