President Bola Tinubu has approved the final phase of the 2025 Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, granting pardon, clemency, and reduced sentences to 35 inmates after a rigorous review process that saw over 100 earlier nominees delisted.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Wednesday, said the exercise was formally concluded with the President’s issuance of instruments of release.
Fagbemi explained that the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent due process review ordered by the President after public concerns trailed the initial list.
Review to Uphold Justice and Due Process
According to the minister, the review was necessary to ensure that only deserving persons who met the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefited from the president’s mercy.
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“A few persons earlier recommended were found not to have met the necessary requirements and were accordingly delisted, while in some other cases, sentences were reviewed and reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of the exercise,” the statement said.
He noted that the move was in line with Tinubu’s commitment to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that mercy does not reward impunity or undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Outrage Over Original List
The initial list of 175 beneficiaries, released in early October, sparked nationwide outrage after it included several high-profile convicts, such as those found guilty of murder, drug trafficking, human trafficking, kidnapping, and corruption.
Among the most controversial names was that of Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of a former PDP National Chairman.
Her inclusion drew condemnation from victims’ rights groups and religious organisations, prompting the presidency to clarify that she was no longer among those granted a full pardon.
Instead, her death sentence was commuted to a 12-year jail term on compassionate grounds, taking into account her good conduct and the welfare of her two young children.
Relocation and New Guidelines
To strengthen transparency and accountability, 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.
He also ordered the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any recommendation is approved.
“The President’s desire is to ensure that justice not only punishes but also reforms and redeems,” Fagbemi stated.
“The review was undertaken with meticulous commitment to due process, reinforcing this administration’s commitment to justice reform and humane correctional practices in line with international standards,” he added.
Fagbemi commended the public for their patience and constructive engagement throughout the process, assuring that the government remains committed to upholding human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.