President Bola Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 convicted persons across Nigeria, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from different quarters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement, made on October 11, 2025, followed the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed cases based on good conduct, time served, and humanitarian grounds.

Among those pardoned are Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a domestic dispute in Abuja in 2017, and Kelvin Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin who led a gang responsible for several abductions and killings in Delta State in 2013.

The list also includes individuals convicted of drug trafficking, fraud, illegal mining, and other offences. Posthumous pardons were also granted to environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, both executed during past military regimes.

Presidential mercy explained

According to the presidency, the decision was part of the administration’s effort to decongest correctional facilities and offer a second chance to inmates who had shown remorse and good behavior.

Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said the exercise was carried out in line with Nigeria’s constitutional powers under the prerogative of mercy.

“This gesture reflects the President’s commitment to justice with compassion. It is not about excusing crimes but recognizing those who have demonstrated true repentance,” Ngelale said in a statement.

He added that the pardons were given after a careful review process involving security agencies, correctional authorities, and the justice ministry.

Critics fault decision

However, the decision has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups, who argue that it undermines the rule of law and justice for victims.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the move as “insensitive and politically motivated,” questioning why individuals convicted of violent crimes should benefit from presidential clemency.

“This decision sends the wrong message to victims and to society. Justice must not only be done but seen to be done,” Atiku said.

Similarly, several civil society organizations accused the government of using the prerogative of mercy to favor influential individuals while ignoring poor inmates serving harsh sentences for minor crimes.

Mixed reactions nationwide

While some Nigerians on social media expressed outrage, others viewed the pardons as an act of humanity and reconciliation, especially the posthumous clemency for Saro-Wiwa and Vatsa — both considered symbols of injustice during Nigeria’s military era.

Legal experts also noted that presidential pardons are constitutional but must be exercised carefully to maintain public trust in the justice system.

As the debate continues, the presidency has urged citizens to see the action as part of national healing and justice reform efforts aimed at promoting rehabilitation over punishment.

The 175 pardoned individuals are expected to be released gradually after undergoing final clearance by the Ministry of Justice and the Nigerian Correctional Service.