President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate removal of all drug convicts, kidnappers, and other serious offenders from the recently approved presidential pardon list.
The move follows mounting public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of severe crimes, including drug trafficking, murder, and human trafficking.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the decision came after consultations with members of the Council of State and other key stakeholders. “Following the public outcry and further consultations, President Tinubu directed a review of the earlier approved list to ensure justice and fairness,” Onanuga stated.
The initial pardon list, which contained 175 names, drew widespread condemnation for including persons convicted of grave offences. However, after the review, the number of beneficiaries was reportedly reduced to 34, excluding all convicts with drug-related or capital crime records.
According to the Presidency, the revised list was guided by national security considerations, respect for the victims of crime, and the need to maintain public confidence in the justice system. “The President believes that mercy should not be extended to those whose crimes have endangered the lives of others or threatened national stability,” the statement added.
Tinubu also directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be relocated to the Federal Ministry of Justice for better oversight. He further ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation to establish new guidelines that will ensure future pardon recommendations undergo proper screening and consultation with law enforcement agencies.
Political analysts have described the move as a step toward strengthening public trust in governance and reinforcing accountability. They noted that the President’s decision reflects responsiveness to public opinion and sensitivity to national concerns.
