President Tinubu exercised his constitutional power of mercy under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to grant pardons and clemency to a number of individuals.
This included:
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Posthumous pardons for historical figures such as Herbert Macaulay and Mamman Jiya Vatsa.
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Pardons for several former convicts including Farouk Lawan and others who had, according to the statement, shown remorse and good conduct.
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Clemency (reduction of sentences) for a number of inmates — including commutation of some death-sentences to life imprisonment.
The Office of the Presidency said:
“A total of 175 persons across various categories were beneficiaries.” And also: “82 inmates were recommended for clemency; 65 had their terms reduced; 7 inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.”
What’s new today
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Following public feedback and scrutiny, the President directed a review of the initial pardon list.
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Under the review:
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Some persons convicted of very serious offences (e.g., drug-trafficking, kidnapping, arms dealing) were removed (delisted) from the pardon list.
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In the case of Maryam Sanda (convicted of killing her husband), the earlier pardon was reversed and her death sentence was commuted to 12 years in prison.
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The Presidency also announced procedural reform: the secretariat of the committee on prerogative of mercy will move from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Justice, and new guidelines will be issued so that prosecutions agencies must be consulted before pardon decisions.
Why this is controversial / what the reactions are
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The pardon list caused widespread criticism from civil society, rights groups and opposition figures, who argued that pardoning persons convicted of serious crimes undermines the fight against corruption, drugs, kidnapping and other crimes.
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In response, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), clarified that no inmate from the list has yet been released from prison custody because the final administrative steps (issuance of release instruments etc) were still ongoing.
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The review is being framed as a tightening of the process: ensuring that the “three-way” justice (accused, victim, society) is balanced.
What this means
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The move signals that President Tinubu is willing to use the prerogative of mercy to address historical injustices (e.g., colonial-era convictions) as well as rehabilitate convicts who showed remorse or good conduct.
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At the same time, the review and reversal suggest recognition of public concern over pardoning persons convicted of serious offences, and a shift towards more caution and procedural safeguards in future exercises.
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For the justice system: the reform directions (new guidelines, prosecuting agency consultation) may lead to more transparent and credible pardon decisions going forward.
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For the inmates/beneficiaries: while many names were initially approved for pardon/clemency, the review means not all will be released, and some will have sentences modified rather than full pardon.
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