Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon List Faces Review After Public Outrage

There were strong indications on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu’s recently approved presidential pardon list might undergo significant revisions following widespread public criticism and concerns from anti-corruption and security agencies. Reports suggest that several names included in the list—particularly those of high-profile convicts linked to violent crimes, corruption, and drug trafficking—may be dropped as the federal government reassesses the controversial clemency exercise.

The presidential pardon, which had earlier been endorsed by the Council of State and presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was initially intended to promote national reconciliation and decongest overcrowded correctional facilities. However, it has drawn sharp backlash from civil society groups, human rights activists, and members of the public who argue that the inclusion of certain individuals undermines Nigeria’s justice system.

According to government sources, the list of 175 beneficiaries was categorized into six groups: those granted full pardons, posthumous pardons (including late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and members of the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine who were honoured, presidential clemency beneficiaries, inmates recommended for sentence reduction, and death row inmates whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Officials maintained that the gesture was part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform the criminal justice system and foster unity. Yet, the presence of notorious offenders on the list has provoked outrage across the country, prompting the Presidency to review the process.

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Security and Anti-Graft Agencies Raise Objections

The backlash has intensified as several government agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have reportedly objected to some names included in the list. These agencies warned that granting clemency to certain convicts could weaken the government’s ongoing fight against corruption, drug trafficking, and violent crime.

Sources revealed that the EFCC and NDLEA specifically flagged cases involving individuals convicted for serious offences such as homicide, kidnapping, and narcotics smuggling. One senior official reportedly stated that “some names were smuggled into the list without proper clearance or due process,” suggesting internal irregularities during the compilation process.

Among the controversial names is Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. Her inclusion sparked widespread anger, with many Nigerians questioning how a convicted murderer could qualify for a presidential pardon. Although Bello’s father, Alhaji Bello Isa, and Sanda’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, have publicly accepted the clemency decision, other family members and citizens have condemned it as a mockery of justice.

Another figure listed is Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin whose criminal network once terrorized several states, including Delta, Edo, Rivers, Abia, Benue, and Oyo. His inclusion has been widely criticized as an affront to victims of kidnapping and a dangerous precedent that could embolden criminal elements.

Also reportedly listed for clemency was Major S. Alabi Akubo, who was jailed for illegal possession of prohibited firearms. While his case attracted less controversy than others, critics argue that releasing individuals convicted of weapon-related offences could have security implications.

Presidency Under Pressure to Revise the List

The mounting public outcry has placed the Tinubu administration under pressure to reconsider the list. Senior presidential aides confirmed that the controversy had forced the Presidency to initiate a comprehensive review. One aide, speaking to The Punch, admitted that “the list was too wide, and some of the names did not pass the necessary security vetting. The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be pruned down. Not all the names came from the committee that reviewed the cases.”

Another senior government source revealed that the President has directed that the list be re-evaluated to remove any individual whose release could compromise national security or public confidence in the justice system. “The list will be trimmed to reflect only those who genuinely deserve the President’s mercy. Those whose inclusion created controversy will be expunged,” the official stated.

The Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, has since clarified that the process remains ongoing. “The Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced is still under review and has not been finalised,” he said in a statement earlier this week. Fagbemi added that relevant agencies were still scrutinizing the list to ensure compliance with established legal and procedural standards.

Security officials have also disclosed that the review was triggered after it was discovered that some committee members may have inserted names without authorization. “Some low-level officers at the level of the committee smuggled in some names. Obviously, the President is unaware of some of the names on that list,” a senior security officer said.

He further noted that the review had been sent to the NDLEA and other relevant bodies for verification. “Some of the names on the list did not meet the criteria. In fact, some of the cases are still fresh. The good thing is that they are still in custody; they have not been released,” the source added.

Another official from one of the anti-graft agencies confirmed that both the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force have expressed discomfort with certain inclusions. “I am aware that the ICPC and the police are not comfortable with the list because some convicts who are not supposed to be on that list are there,” the source said.

Public Outcry Over Transparency in Clemency Process

The controversy surrounding the presidential pardon has reignited debate over transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s clemency process. Legal analysts argue that while the President has constitutional powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution to grant pardons, such powers must be exercised with discretion and guided by justice, not political or personal influence.

Human rights groups have also urged the federal government to disclose the full list of beneficiaries and the criteria used in their selection. They argue that granting clemency to individuals convicted of violent crimes or corruption sends a dangerous message that the powerful and connected can escape justice.

As the review continues, officials insist that no inmate has yet been released and that the process will only be finalized after all legal and security checks have been completed. For now, the Tinubu administration faces the delicate task of balancing mercy with justice—ensuring that genuine cases of rehabilitation are recognized while safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.