In a significant move aimed at promoting justice, reconciliation, and national healing, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardons and clemency to 175 individuals, following the recommendations of the National Council of State during its meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Abuja. The decision, announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects a deliberate effort to address historical injustices, recognize remorse, and foster societal reintegration for deserving individuals.
Among the most notable recipients of the presidential pardon are the late Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa and the revered nationalist Herbert Macaulay, both of whom received posthumous pardons. Major General Vatsa, a poet and former military officer, was executed in 1986 after being convicted of treason in a highly controversial case. Nearly four decades after his death, the pardon serves as a symbolic gesture to revisit and rectify past judicial outcomes. Similarly, Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists and a co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), was convicted by colonial authorities in 1913. His posthumous pardon acknowledges his monumental contributions to Nigeria’s independence struggle and seeks to correct historical grievances from the colonial era.
In addition to these high-profile posthumous pardons, President Tinubu extended clemency to 82 inmates, reduced the prison terms of 65 others, and commuted the death sentences of seven inmates to life imprisonment. Among the living beneficiaries are former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu. These individuals were deemed to have demonstrated genuine remorse and a readiness to reintegrate into society, aligning with the government’s broader objectives of rehabilitation and social cohesion.
A particularly poignant aspect of this exercise is the posthumous pardon granted to the nine executed Ogoni activists, collectively known as the “Ogoni Nine.” These individuals—Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were executed in 1995 amidst widespread international condemnation. Their deaths, following convictions for their roles in advocating for environmental justice and the rights of the Ogoni people, have long been a source of national and global controversy. President Tinubu’s decision to pardon them posthumously is a significant step toward addressing historical wounds and acknowledging the complexities surrounding their cases. Furthermore, four other Ogoni leaders—Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage—were honored with posthumous national awards, recognizing their contributions to the struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
The pardons and clemency decisions were guided by the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The committee, inaugurated in January 2025 by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was tasked with reviewing cases to promote justice, rehabilitation, and human rights across Nigeria’s correctional system. The PACPM meticulously evaluated 294 cases, ultimately recommending clemency for 82 inmates, full pardons for two individuals, reduced sentences for 65 others, the commutation of seven death sentences to life imprisonment, and posthumous pardons for 15 individuals, including the Ogoni Nine.
The committee’s selection criteria were carefully designed to ensure fairness and compassion. Factors considered included advanced age (60 years and above), terminal illness, youth (16 years and below), long-term good conduct in prison, and demonstrated remorse. These criteria reflect a balanced approach, prioritizing both humanitarian considerations and the potential for societal reintegration. By focusing on individuals who have shown genuine commitment to reform, the committee aims to uphold the principles of restorative justice while addressing systemic issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
This exercise underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging the prerogative of mercy as a tool for national reconciliation and healing. The inclusion of historical figures like Vatsa, Macaulay, and the Ogoni Nine highlights the administration’s willingness to confront Nigeria’s complex past, including colonial-era injustices and post-independence controversies. The posthumous pardons, in particular, serve as a symbolic acknowledgment of the need to revisit cases that have left lasting scars on the nation’s collective memory.
The clemency granted to living inmates, such as Farouk Lawan and others, further demonstrates a forward-looking approach to justice. By offering these individuals a second chance, the administration signals its belief in the possibility of redemption and the importance of rehabilitation over purely punitive measures. The commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment also reflects a growing global trend toward reducing reliance on capital punishment, aligning Nigeria with international human rights standards.
The broader implications of this exercise extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries. It sends a powerful message about the role of mercy in governance and the potential for justice systems to evolve in response to societal needs. By addressing cases spanning colonial times, military regimes, and contemporary issues, President Tinubu’s administration is fostering a dialogue about Nigeria’s history and its path toward a more inclusive future.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges related to justice, equity, and national unity, the granting of these pardons and clemency measures represents a meaningful step toward reconciliation. The decisions made by President Tinubu, guided by the PACPM, reflect a commitment to balancing compassion with accountability, offering hope to those who have been marginalized by the justice system while honoring the legacies of those who fought for a better Nigeria. This exercise not only addresses individual cases but also contributes to the ongoing effort to build a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.
