President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the presidential pardon granted to 175 persons after public outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious crimes. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said those convicted of offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and fraud have been removed, while others had their sentences reduced.
The Presidency said the review followed consultations with the Council of State and public feedback, citing the need to respect victims’ rights, support law enforcement, and uphold justice.
The decision came after backlash over the inclusion of Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband. The Nigerian Bar Association had described her pardon as a “grave error.”
Tinubu also directed that the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy be moved to the Ministry of Justice and ordered new guidelines to ensure only qualified persons benefit from future pardons.
