The Federal Government has announced the formal conclusion of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approving the release of instruments granting pardon, clemency, and reduced sentences to selected inmates across the country.
The announcement was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, who confirmed that the exercise followed extensive consultations with the Council of State and a subsequent due process review ordered by the President.
According to the AGF’s office, the review was aimed at ensuring that only individuals who met the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefitted from the prerogative of mercy.
“During this final review, a few persons earlier recommended were found not to have met the necessary requirements and were accordingly delisted,” the statement said. “In some other cases, sentences were reviewed and reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of the exercise.”
The government described the move as a reflection of the President’s commitment to balancing justice with compassion, stressing that justice should not only punish but also reform and redeem.
The Attorney-General explained that the process was carried out with “meticulous commitment to due process” and aligns with the administration’s broader push for justice sector reforms and humane correctional practices in line with international standards.
As part of measures to improve future exercises, the President has directed the immediate 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.
The President has also instructed the Attorney-General to issue new guidelines for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies before any future recommendations are approved.
“These steps will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements benefit from such instruments of release going forward,” the statement added.
The Attorney-General commended Nigerians for their patience and constructive engagement throughout the review process, assuring the public that the government remains committed to promoting a justice system that upholds human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order.
Those on the clemency list and as listed in the official government Gazette are: 
Those who enjoyed presidential pardon are:
Four men had their death sentence commutted to life imprisonment. They are:
Over 80 others, including Maryam Sanda, who murdered her husband, had their sentences reduced.
