President Bola Tinubu has reviewed the recent presidential pardon list after public backlash, removing convicts of serious crimes such as kidnapping and drug offences.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the presidential pardon granted to at least 175 persons during the National Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025, following widespread criticism over the inclusion of convicts of serious offences.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that individuals found guilty of severe crimes were removed from the list.
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list,” Onanuga said.
He added, “Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.”
The review comes amid public concerns over national security, justice for victims, and the credibility of the clemency process.