President Bola Tinubu has signed the official instruments of clemency and pardons, granting release to a selection of convicts across the country.
However, a State House statement released on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the President specifically “rejected high-profile inmates such as Maryam Sanda,” who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.
The statement recalled that the President had directed a further review of the initial list submitted for consideration, which resulted in the removal of convicts involved in serious crimes such as “murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and fraud.”
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This decision automatically excluded inmates like Ms. Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 by the Federal Capital Territory High Court for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello (the son of a former PDP National Chairman, Haliru Bello).
Her death sentence, which drew nationwide attention, is currently under appeal.
Explaining the reasoning, the Presidency stated that the review was guided by national security considerations, public sensitivity, and justice for victims and their families. The statement read:“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, and the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies.”
The final list of eligible beneficiaries has been sent to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
In a related move, President Tinubu approved the immediate 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.
He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
These guidelines will mandate the committee to “consult with prosecuting agencies such as the EFCC, NDLEA, Police, and DSS before any recommendation is made.”
The Presidency noted that this reform aims to ensure that “only deserving convicts who meet all legal and procedural standards benefit from future pardons.”
President Tinubu stressed that justice must be seen as a “three-way traffic” involving the accused, the victim, and the society, underscoring the need to balance compassion with accountability.
The statement concluded: “The President remains committed to a justice system that is fair, firm, and transparent — one that upholds the rule of law and ensures that mercy does not amount to impunity.”
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