President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has signed the instrument of clemency and pardon, formally exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy to grant release and sentence commutation to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the statement, following consultations with the Council of State and a review of public opinion, President Tinubu directed a further vetting of the initial list of beneficiaries. This, he said, was in exercise of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Mr. Onanuga explained that after the review, several individuals convicted of serious crimes, including kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms, were “deleted from the list.”

He added that others who had been previously approved for clemency under the old list had their sentences “commuted.”

“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 and society at large; the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies; and adherence to bilateral obligations,” he said.

The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state or society also guided the review,” the statement read in part.

The Presidency noted that the approved list of eligible beneficiaries had been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in accordance with the duly signed instruments of release.

President Tinubu also directed 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.

The move, according to him, is aimed at ensuring that future exercises align with public expectations and international best practices.

“President Tinubu further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies,” he added.

This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements henceforth benefit from such instruments of release,” the statement added.

The President expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback received from stakeholders and the general public on the matter, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and the improvement of Nigeria’s justice system.