In a significant policy shift, President Bola Tinubu has excluded individuals convicted of serious crimes like kidnapping, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses from a planned grant of clemency.
The decision follows a review of public opinion and consultations with the Council of State. A presidential statement noted the move was to respect the feelings of victims and uphold national security.
While some inmates will still receive pardons or have their sentences reduced, the list has been purged of those found guilty of severe offenses. These include kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.
President Tinubu has directed that the clemency process be moved to the Federal Ministry of Justice to enhance transparency. He also ordered the creation of new guidelines for future mercy petitions.
