President Bola Tinubu has approved a revised list of inmates granted presidential clemency, removing names of convicts involved in serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, and unlawful arms possession.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the update on Wednesday, explaining that the President ordered a comprehensive review following public backlash against the initial list.
The review followed consultations with the Council of State and the Ministry of Justice.
Earlier, the inclusion of convicts sentenced for murder, illegal mining, and drug offences had drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and political figures, who described the move as a misuse of presidential powers.
According to Onanuga, the revised action was guided by “the need to balance justice for victims, uphold national security, and maintain public confidence.”
The approved list has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation.
President Tinubu also directed that the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be relocated to the Ministry of Justice, with new guidelines to ensure transparency and stricter oversight in future clemency decisions.
