President Bola Tinubu has signed an instrument of pardons for certain individuals but reviewed the list to drop those convicted of serious crimes like fraud, kidnapping, and trafficking. This decision aims to balance mercy with public safety concerns.
On October 29, 2025, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu signed an instrument of pardons, granting clemency to specific individuals previously convicted of various offenses. However, in a review of the pardon list, he excluded those involved in fraud, kidnapping, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
The action reflects a targeted approach to forgiveness, sparing individuals deemed less threatening while upholding justice for grave crimes. No further details on the approved pardon recipients or the exact number of exclusions were provided in the announcement.
This development occurs amid ongoing discussions on criminal justice reform in Nigeria, where pardons are occasionally issued to alleviate prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation. Critics and supporters alike will likely monitor how this selective clemency impacts public trust in the system.