UPDATED: Tinubu makes u-turn, excludes drug, human trafficking, kidnapping convicts from pardon list

President Bola Tinubu has directed the removal of individuals convicted for serious offences including kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms from the list of beneficiaries under the Federal Government’s prerogative of mercy.

A statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu took the decision “following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion”.

The statement, titled “President Tinubu Signs Instrument of Clemency and Pardons, Moves Secretariat of Prerogative of Mercy Committee to Justice Ministry,” noted that Tinubu formally exercised his constitutional powers to grant clemency and pardon to selected individuals convicted of various offences.

The statement noted that after a review of the initial list, Tinubu ordered that those convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, and arms dealing be deleted from the list, while some others 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 of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies, and adherence to bilateral obligations,” the statement read.

It added that the review was guided by the concept of justice as a “three-way traffic for the accused, the victim, and the state/society.”

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has since been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

To ensure transparency in future exercises, President Tinubu also ordered the 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 further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit from future clemency…

President Tinubu also appreciated the feedback from the public and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and strengthening the justice system in Nigeria.

(TheCable)