Outrage Trails Tinubu’s Pardon List as Presidency Moves to Drop Controversial Names
There are growing indications that some individuals listed in President Bola Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon may be removed following a wave of public outrage.
The pardon, reportedly approved by the Council of State and presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), sparked criticism after it was revealed that several high-profile convicts — including those linked to violent crimes, corruption, and drug trafficking — made the list.
According to government sources, the 175 beneficiaries were categorized into six groups: individuals granted full or posthumous pardons (including Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine), victims honored posthumously, those offered presidential clemency, inmates with reduced sentences, and death row convicts whose sentences were converted to life imprisonment.
Officials explained that the initiative was intended to decongest prisons and promote national reconciliation. However, the move has since stirred heated debate across the country.
Amid the backlash, the Attorney-General clarified that the process remains under review.
“The Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced has not been finalized,” Fagbemi stated, adding that relevant agencies are still scrutinizing the list.
Sources revealed that several law enforcement and anti-graft agencies — including the EFCC, ICPC, and NDLEA — strongly objected to the inclusion of certain individuals, warning that freeing them could damage the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and weaken the fight against organized crime.
Among those listed was Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. While part of Bello’s family condemned the move, both her father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, and Bello’s father, Alhaji Bello Isa, reportedly accepted the pardon.
Another controversial name on the list was Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnap kingpin whose operations once terrorized parts of the South-South and South-East regions. Also included was Major S. Alabi Akubo, convicted for illegal possession of firearms.
Presidency Faces Pressure
The controversy has reignited discussions about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s clemency process. Critics argue that pardoning violent offenders undermines the justice system and sends the wrong message.
A presidential aide disclosed that the widespread backlash has forced the Presidency to reconsider the list.
“The list was too broad, and some names did not pass the necessary security checks,” the aide said. “The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be reviewed. Not all the names came from the official committee.”
Insiders confirmed that a new review is underway to ensure that only those who genuinely qualify for clemency remain on the final list.
Another top government source added,
“Some names were inserted by lower-level officials without proper approval. The President was not aware of some of these additions. The good thing is that none of the questionable individuals have been released yet.”
An official from one of the anti-graft bodies also confirmed that both the ICPC and police expressed strong reservations about the list, insisting that several unqualified convicts were included.
As the review continues, Nigerians await the final decision — one that could either restore public confidence in the justice system or deepen concerns about fairness and accountability in governance.
