President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday approved a significantly revised presidential pardon list, removing individuals convicted of kidnapping, drug trafficking, and arms dealing following widespread public criticism and recommendations from the Council of State.

The final list, trimmed from an initial 175 names, now focuses on convicts deemed rehabilitated or deserving of clemency on humanitarian grounds. Among those included are historical figures such as environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose posthumous pardon has long been a subject of national debate. Several death sentences were also commuted to life imprisonment or reduced terms.

Announced via the State House, the decision reflects Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive review that balances compassion with national security, victim sensitivities, and the morale of law enforcement agencies. The president also ordered the relocation of the Prerogative of Mercy secretariat from the Presidency to the Ministry of Justice, a move aimed at enhancing institutional oversight under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.

Presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the review was guided by the principle that justice must serve the accused, the victim, and society. He added that future clemency decisions will require input from prosecutors, in line with new guidelines being developed by the Attorney General of the Federation.

The revised list follows public outrage over the initial inclusion of controversial figures, including Maryam Sanda, convicted in a high-profile homicide case. The backlash prompted a procedural overhaul to ensure transparency and alignment with public expectations.

President Tinubu thanked stakeholders for their feedback and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial reform and responsible governance. Instruments of release have been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.