Tinubu tightens clemency process, transfers mercy committee to Justice Ministry
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved to reform Nigeria’s clemency system, signing new instruments of pardon and ordering the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy to the Ministry of Justice. The decision, according to the Presidency, aims to restore integrity, transparency, and public confidence in the process of granting state pardons.
The President’s action follows a comprehensive review of previously approved clemency lists, which had drawn criticism over perceived leniency towards individuals convicted of grave offences. After consulting with the Council of State and considering public feedback, Tinubu directed a revision of the list to ensure that the prerogative of mercy reflects fairness, justice, and sensitivity to victims of crime.
In the revised directive, offenders convicted of serious crimes including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms dealing, and financial fraud, were excluded from the list of those to benefit from presidential clemency. Some previously pardoned individuals had their sentences commuted instead, underscoring what the administration described as a “balanced approach” between justice and compassion.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the review was guided by the “three-way concept of justice”, one that takes into account the rights of the accused, the suffering of victims, and the security of society. He emphasized that the President’s decision was motivated by national security concemphasisedhe the need to uphold public trust in the criminal justice system.
“The President believes that mercy must never compromise justice or the morale of our law enforcement agencies,” Onanuga stated, noting that the new guidelines aim to prevent abuses of the clemency process witnessed in previous administrations.
To institutionalise the reform, Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to issue formal guidelines for future exercises of presidential mercy. These will include mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any recommendations are approved. The change, analysts say, is a significant step toward depoliticizing presidential pardons and aligning the process with global best prdepoliticisingove also signifies a broader shift in how the government approaches criminal justice reform. By transferring the Secretariat of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee to the Ministry of Justice from the Ministry of Special Duties, the President intends to streamline oversight and ensure that clemency decisions are legally sound and procedurally transparent.
According to sources within the Justice Ministry, the relocation is expected to strengthen coordination between prosecutors, correctional authorities, and the advisory committee, making future pardon exercises more credible and evidence-based.
The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for immediate implementation, marking the completion of this year’s clemency process.
President Tinubu, in reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reform, thanked Nigerians for their engagement and criticism, noting that public scrutiny is vital in shaping responsible governance. “Justice must serve the people, not the powerful,” the statement concluded.
