By Ghazali Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an extensive review of his recently announced presidential pardon list, removing over 140 individuals whose inclusion had sparked intense backlash across Nigeria.
In a briefing on October 29, 2025, the presidency confirmed the list of beneficiaries had been cut from 175 to just 34 persons, following scrutiny of the crimes involved, public sentiment, and national security implications.
The overhaul was guided by the constitutional power of pardon under Sections 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), after consultations with the Council of State and appeals from civil society and victims’ groups.
Key changes include the removal of convicts of kidnapping, drug‑related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing of firearms.
Some of those previously slated for full pardon will now have sentences commuted instead of outright release.
Additionally, the President 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 revised guidelines, mandating that future clemency exercises be subject to mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies.
The original list of pardons had triggered widespread condemnation, with critics including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar and human rights organisations arguing it undermined justice and emboldened criminal behaviour.
With the revised list now submitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation, attention has shifted to how the changes will impact the administration of justice and public confidence in senior‑level discretion.
The move signals a shift towards more defensible clemency practices, though some observers caution that rebuilding trust will require consistent application of the new rules and transparent oversight.
