President Bola Tinubu has removed individuals convicted of serious offences—such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms dealing—from his list of presidential pardons and clemency.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision followed a review of the initial list after consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.
“The move was necessary due to the gravity of some offences and their security implications,” the president said.
“It also reflects sensitivity to victims, supports the morale of law enforcement agencies, and upholds justice for both offenders and society.”
The revised list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
In a related directive, Tinubu ordered the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to be relocated from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines to ensure that only qualified individuals benefit from future clemency reviews.
