Tinubu removes drug, human trafficking, kidnapping convicts from pardon list

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate removal of persons convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, among others, from the presidential pardon list.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The presidential pardon list had elicited condemnations over the inclusion of some individuals convicted for drug-related offences, kidnapping, and fraud, among others.

Onanuga, however, stated that the president, after consultations with the Council of State and public opinion, “directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Onanuga said: “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.

“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.”

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He disclosed that the approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)) for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release. under the federal government’s prerogative of mercy.

The presidential spokesman said Tinubu also 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, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices.

Onanuga added that Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

Onanuga stated: “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.”

The Star