President Bola Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 Nigerians following the approval of the Council of State. The decision came after the presentation of recommendations by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The Attorney-General presented the list based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. The move reflects the president’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s justice and correctional systems.
The approval was reached on Thursday during the Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani briefed reporters after the meeting, confirming that 82 inmates received full pardon, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
According to the governor, the total of 175 beneficiaries includes inmates across different correctional facilities nationwide.
He said the decision was part of President Tinubu’s broader plan to strengthen justice delivery and promote rehabilitation.
Governor Sani added that the president’s action demonstrated compassion and fairness in the justice process.
“The decision underscores the President’s commitment to justice and correctional reform,” he stated.
Among those granted clemency were members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, whose names hold symbolic significance in Nigeria’s human rights history.
President Tinubu had earlier posthumously honoured the Ogoni Four to promote peace and restore oil production in Ogoniland.
The Council also ratified key national appointments.
These include Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as the new Chairman of the National Population Commission, and Tonge Bularafa from Yobe State as Federal Commissioner in the same commission.
The Council of State, chaired by President Tinubu, comprises past presidents, state governors, and key government officials.
It serves as an advisory body on matters of national importance, including clemency and security policies.
Governor Sani explained that the Council unanimously approved the president’s recommendations after a detailed presentation by the Minister of Justice.
He emphasized that the gesture would encourage ongoing correctional reforms and support decongestion of prisons across the country.
The Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional power that allows the president to pardon or reduce the sentence of offenders based on specific recommendations.
Tinubu’s latest decision follows his administration’s drive to promote national reconciliation, fairness, and social justice.
With this approval, the Federal Government aims to give deserving inmates a second chance at rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to society.
