President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a revised list of individuals granted clemency and presidential pardon, with Maryam Sanda—sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello—noticeably missing from the final list.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu signed the Instrument of Clemency to formally exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy for selected individuals.
The decision followed consultations with the Council of State and a comprehensive review of the previously approved list, in line with Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In his directive, President Tinubu ordered the exclusion of individuals convicted of serious offences such as kidnapping, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession or trafficking of firearms. Some persons earlier pardoned in the old list also had their sentences commuted rather than fully pardoned.
Among those granted presidential pardon under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025 are Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Those whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025 include Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.
The State House statement explained that the President’s decision was guided by considerations of justice, national security, public sensitivity, and respect for victims of crime.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter,” the statement read.
It further noted that President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
