President Bola Tinubu has approved a list of Nigerians granted presidential pardon and clemency, but some names were deliberately excluded after careful screening.
The exercise, which stemmed from the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, aimed to decongest correctional facilities and offer a second chance to deserving inmates. However, not all applicants were found suitable.
Those excluded include individuals convicted of high-profile crimes such as terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and financial misconduct. According to government sources, granting clemency to such offenders would undermine national security and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Similarly, some former officials facing ongoing court appeals were not considered, as their cases remain unresolved.
Authorities emphasized that the process was guided by fairness and due diligence, focusing only on inmates who demonstrated repentance and good conduct.
The selective approach, government officials noted, reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding justice while ensuring that acts of mercy do not compromise public safety or the rule of law.
