The Federal Government of Nigeria has released the final list of beneficiaries under President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise.
The initiative grants pardons, commutations, and reduced sentences to selected offenders in line with the administration’s ongoing commitment to justice reform and humane correctional practices.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the approval in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
He explained that the final list followed consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent due process review ordered by President Tinubu after concerns were raised about the earlier recommendations.
“This exercise ensures that only persons who met the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from the prerogative of mercy,” Fagbemi said.
He disclosed that during the review, a few names were removed for failing to meet the criteria, while other sentences were adjusted “to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of compassion”.
“The President’s decision underscores his desire to balance justice with compassion and the belief that justice must not only punish, but also reform and redeem,” the minister added.
Fagbemi said the review was conducted with “meticulous adherence to due process” to reinforce the administration’s broader objective of aligning Nigeria’s justice system with international standards.
To improve future exercises, President Tinubu directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He also instructed the Attorney General to issue new Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which include compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any clemency decision is made.
“This will ensure that only qualified persons benefit from future exercises,” Fagbemi said, thanking the public for their patience and constructive engagement during the process.
He assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to promoting a justice system that “upholds human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order.”
Commutation of Death Sentences to Life Imprisonment
Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf and Saad Ahmed Madaki.
Others include Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley, Johnny Ntheru Udor, Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar and Mohammed Umar.
Presidential Pardons
Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Reduced Sentences
Beneficiaries include Yusuf Owolabi, Ifeanyi Eze, Ibrahim Sulaiman, Patrick Mensah, Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira, Erick Diego, Uchegbu Emeka Michael, Salawu Adebayo, Napolo Osariemen, Odeyemi Omolara, Dias Santos, Marela Christiana, Alhaji Ibrahim Hameed, Isaac Justina, Aishat Kehinde, Helen Solomon, Okoye Tochukwu, Ugwueze Paul, Mustapha Ahmed, Abubakar Mamman, Muhammed Musa, Nnamdi Anene, Abubakar Tanko, and others.
Fagbemi reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to ensuring that justice reforms continue to balance compassion with accountability.
