Agency News
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of several controversial names, including convicted murderer Maryam Sanda, from the list of inmates earlier approved for presidential clemency.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, announced that the revised list had been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
The new development follows public outrage over reports that individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining were included in the initial list of pardoned inmates.
According to Onanuga, President Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to review and reissue instruments of release for those deemed eligible after further consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion.
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms were deleted from the list,” the statement read. “Others who were earlier pardoned had their sentences commuted instead.”
The statement explained that the review was necessary given the “seriousness and security implications” of the offences, as well as the need to uphold justice for victims, maintain public confidence, and boost the morale of law enforcement agencies.
He added that the President’s decision was guided by the principle that justice must serve the interests of the accused, the victims, and the state.
Earlier, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had clarified that while the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy recommended clemency for some convicts, none of the beneficiaries had been released, as the list was still under review.
Public reaction had been swift and critical after it emerged that individuals convicted of murder and drug-related crimes were among those recommended for pardon.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, had described the move as “a national disgrace” and an abuse of presidential powers.
In response to the controversy, President Tinubu directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines to ensure future exercises are transparent, involve consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies, and meet public expectations.
“President Tinubu appreciates the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter,” Onanuga stated, adding that the administration remains committed to fairness, justice, and accountability in the exercise of executive powers.
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Rabiu M. Hamza
