After the backlash for granting a bogus presidential pardon to 175 convicts, and the review that followed, President Bola Tinubu has now signed three legal instruments granting clemency, commutation of sentences, and presidential pardons to a total of 34 individuals, in the exercise of his constitutional powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the move is as a result of consultations with the Council of State and taking public opinion into account on the matter.
The president’s review led to the removal of individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the list of beneficiaries. Tinubu explained that the decision reflects the administration’s sensitivity to the feelings of victims and the need to strengthen national security and public confidence in law enforcement.
The approved lists, signed on October 21, 2025, have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.
See full new list of beneficiaries excluding Maryam Sanda below:
Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Clemency), 2025
1. Oroka Michael Chibueze
2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul
3. Daniel Bodunwa
4. Hamza Abubakar
5. Buhari Sani
6. Mohammed Musa
7. Muharazu Abubakar
8. Ibrahim Yusuf
9. Saad Ahmed Madaki
10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
11. Richard Ayuba
12. Adam Abubakar
13. Emmanuel Yusuf
14. Chinedu Stanley
15. Johnny Ntheru Udor
Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025
(1) Emmanuel Baba
(2) Abubakar Usman
(3) Khalifa Umar
(4) Mohammed Umar
Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025
1. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
5. Herbert Macaulay
6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
7. Ken Saro Wiwa
8. Saturday Dobee
9. Nordu Eawo
10. Daniel Gbooko
11. Paul Levera
12. Felix Nuale
13. Baribor Bera
14. Barinem Kiobel
15. John Kpuine
President Tinubu also approved the 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, directing the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future exercises.
The president emphasized that future reviews will involve mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies, ensuring that only those who meet legal and procedural criteria benefit from the presidential prerogative of mercy.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their feedback on the clemency process and reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms and improving judicial efficiency in the country.