Tinubu Moves Prerogative of Mercy Committee to Justice Ministry, Approves Release of Beneficiaries
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of several convicted persons after signing instruments of clemency and pardons, while excluding offenders convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and arms dealing from the list of beneficiaries.
The President’s decision followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent review of an earlier list of recommended names, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to grant clemency to eligible individuals and commute the sentences of others whose offences did not pose significant security or moral concerns.
The review, the statement noted, became necessary to maintain national security and respect the feelings of victims and the general public.
It also aimed to strengthen the morale of law enforcement agencies and honour Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.
“The concept of justice as a three-way traffic, for the accused, the victim, and the State, guided the review process,” the President stated.
The approved list has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the signed instruments of release.
In a related directive, Tinubu ordered 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 instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new operational guidelines for future exercises of the prerogative of mercy, mandating consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before recommendations are made.
According to the President, the new framework will ensure that only deserving individuals who meet established legal and procedural standards benefit from future clemency exercises.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback received from citizens and civil society groups, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to comprehensive judicial reform and the improvement of Nigeria’s justice delivery system.
