Tinubu Revokes Presidential Pardon for Maryam Sanda and Others After Review of Clemency List
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nullified the controversial presidential pardon earlier granted to several individuals convicted of heinous crimes, including Maryam Sanda, along with certain drug traffickers and kidnappers. The move, PulseNets learnt, came after an extensive review of the clemency list to reinforce justice, national security, and accountability.
According to official documents obtained by PulseNets, the president formally signed new instruments of clemency—revising the previous pardon list—to ensure that the constitutional power of prerogative of mercy is exercised responsibly and transparently.
A senior State House source told PulseNets that President Tinubu, after due consultations with the Council of State and considering public sentiment, ordered a comprehensive review of the earlier approved list under Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Certain individuals convicted for grave offences like kidnapping, armed trafficking, drug-related crimes, human trafficking, and large-scale fraud have been expunged from the list,” the insider disclosed.
“Only those whose cases met the stringent legal and humanitarian criteria will now benefit from the president’s mercy.”
PulseNets learnt that others who were previously listed for full pardon have instead had their sentences commuted in line with the president’s directive.
The review, the presidency noted, became necessary due to the security implications of pardoning violent offenders and to honor the rights of victims and the broader society.
“Justice is not one-sided,” another official told PulseNets. “It’s a three-way obligation—to the accused, the victims, and the state. The president’s decision reflects that balance.”
In the updated directive, the approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been forwarded to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for immediate implementation based on the newly signed instruments of release.
Furthermore, PulseNets learnt that President Tinubu has ordered the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice—a move aimed at aligning future exercises with legal and institutional best practices.
In addition, the president directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to develop comprehensive guidelines for future use of the prerogative of mercy. These guidelines, PulseNets reported, will include mandatory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies to prevent abuse and ensure transparency.
“Going forward, only persons who meet the strict legal and procedural benchmarks will benefit from presidential clemency,” a presidency source told PulseNets.
President Tinubu, while appreciating constructive feedback from stakeholders and citizens, reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms and the modernization of Nigeria’s justice system.
Also Read: Tinubu: No One Is Above The Law Under My Administration as EFCC Records 7,000 Convictions, ₦500bn Recoveries
“Our vision is to make justice fair, swift, and credible,” the president was quoted as saying. “Mercy will no longer mean leniency for the unrepentant.”
The announcement marks one of the strongest signals yet of the Tinubu administration’s resolve to rebuild public confidence in the rule of law, especially following concerns that previous pardons had undermined the country’s anti-corruption and national security efforts.
