President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reviewed the earlier pardon list released following public outcry. As a result, Maryam Sanda and other individuals convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal arms possession have been removed from the list.
The president signed and executed the official instruments of release to complete the process of granting pardon and clemency to selected individuals previously convicted of various offences, under the constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.
The action follows consultations with the Council of State and a further review of the earlier-approved list, in line with the President’s discretionary authority under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Review of Initial List
According to a State House statement, the President ordered a comprehensive review of the original list to ensure fairness, national security, and justice balance.
As a result, Others previously considered for full pardon had their sentences commuted instead of outright release.
The Presidency explained that the decision was guided by the security implications of certain offences, the need to respect victims’ rights, and the importance of maintaining public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system. “The concept of justice as a three-way traffic — for the accused, the victim, and the state — informed this review,” the statement said.
Implementation
The approved list of beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
To strengthen transparency and accountability in future clemency exercises, President Tinubu directed the immediate 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.
Additionally, the President instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines governing the exercise of the prerogative of mercy — including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting and security agencies before any pardon recommendation is made.
President Tinubu further expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback and engagement received from stakeholders and the general public during the review process.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the improvement of Nigeria’s justice administration, emphasizing that future clemency decisions will adhere strictly to legal, ethical, and procedural standards.
“The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional instrument that must be exercised responsibly — in the interest of justice, security, and national unity,” the President stated.
Approved List of Pardoned Persons
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Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
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Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
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Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
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Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
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Herbert Macaulay
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Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
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Ken Saro Wiwa
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Saturday Dobee
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Nordu Eawo
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Daniel Gbooko
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Paul Levera
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Felix Nuale
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Baribor Bera
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Barinem Kiobel
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John Kpuine
