The Presidency has released the full list of 175 convicts and former convicts granted pardon or clemency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a sweeping move aimed at addressing historical injustices, promoting rehabilitation, and giving second chances.
The comprehensive list, made public on Saturday through a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, features a mix of high-profile individuals, death row inmates, non-violent offenders, and wrongly convicted historical figures.
According to the statement, the recommendations came from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Breakdown of the Clemency List
2 inmates released outright
15 former convicts pardoned – 11 of them posthumously
82 inmates granted clemency
65 had their sentences commuted
7 death row inmates had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment
Among the most symbolic decisions was the posthumous pardon of Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, executed in 1986 over an alleged coup plot, and Ken Saro-Wiwa along with the Ogoni Eight, hanged in 1995 under controversial circumstances.
Also included was Sir Herbert Macaulay, the Nigerian nationalist convicted in 1913 by British colonial authorities on charges of misappropriation.
The Presidency said the gesture corrects “historic injustices” and honours their legacy in Nigeria’s fight for freedom and justice.
“This move reflects the Tinubu administration’s resolve to correct long-standing wrongs and promote national healing,” the statement noted.
Clemency for Maryam Sanda, Farouk Lawan
The list also includes Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for the killing of her husband.
She was granted clemency based on demonstrated remorse and good behaviour during her time at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, as well as emotional appeals from her family regarding the welfare of her two young children.
Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, convicted for corruption, also benefited, as did Dr. Nwogu Peters, jailed for fraud. Both reportedly met the criteria of reform and good conduct.
A majority of the clemency recipients were inmates convicted of drug-related crimes, fraud, or illegal mining. Many had shown remorse and undertaken rehabilitation programmes, including vocational training and university studies via the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
For instance: Abiodun Elemero, serving a life term for cocaine trafficking, and Aluagwu Lawrence, jailed for Indian hemp possession, received clemency due to their reformation behind bars.
Also pardoned were 36 illegal miners, convicted in 2024, with Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis reportedly pledging to support their post-release reintegration.
Seven death row inmates, including Emmanuel Baba and Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
Their clemency was granted based on factors like remorse, advanced age, ill health, or educational achievements in prison.
Others who benefited from sentence reductions included Professor Magaji Garba and Major S.A. Akubo.
Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said the action underscores President Tinubu’s belief in second chances and a justice system grounded in fairness, rehabilitation, and compassion.
“This gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to justice tempered with mercy, especially for those who have shown genuine remorse and a willingness to reform,” Onanuga stated.
The pardons were approved during a recent Council of State meeting chaired by President Tinubu and are already being hailed as a bold step toward national reconciliation and restorative justice.
The move also honours the memory of victims such as Chief Albert Badey and others associated with the Ogoni Nine case, acknowledging their place in Nigeria’s complex history of activism, resistance, and struggle.
