Full list of those pardoned by President Tinubu

Presidential Clemency in Nigeria: Full Coverage of President Tinubu’s 2025 Pardons

In a significant exercise of executive authority, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria signed three legal instruments on October 21, 2025, granting clemency, commutation of sentences, and presidential pardons to a total of 34 individuals.

This action was carried out under the constitutional powers vested in the president by Section 175 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). 

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and followed consultations with the Council of State, as well as consideration of public sentiment.

The clemency process was divided into three categories. The first, titled “Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Clemency), 2025,” included individuals whose sentences were reduced or who were released due to humanitarian or rehabilitative considerations.

Among those granted clemency were Oroka Michael Chibueze, Adesanya Olufemi Paul, Daniel Bodunwa, Hamza Abubakar, Buhari Sani, Mohammed Musa, Muharazu Abubakar, Ibrahim Yusuf, Saad Ahmed Madaki, Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, Richard Ayuba, Adam Abubakar, Emmanuel Yusuf, Chinedu Stanley, and Johnny Ntheru Udor.

The second category, “Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025,” involved four individuals whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. These individuals were Emmanuel Baba, Abubakar Usman, Khalifa Umar, and Mohammed Umar.

The third and most politically sensitive category was the “Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025.” This list included high-profile names such as Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuale, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.

The inclusion of historical figures like Herbert Macaulay and Ken Saro-Wiwa, as well as controversial political figures such as Farouk Lawan, sparked public debate and criticism, particularly regarding the message it sends about accountability and justice.

President Tinubu emphasized that the review process excluded individuals convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession of firearms.

This decision, he stated, was made to reflect the administration’s sensitivity to the victims of crime and to uphold national security and public confidence in law enforcement.

In addition to the pardons, President Tinubu approved 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. He also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue new guidelines for future clemency exercises, mandating consultations with relevant prosecuting agencies to ensure that only those who meet legal and procedural criteria benefit from presidential mercy.

The lists have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their feedback on the clemency process and reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms and improving judicial efficiency across the country.

Here is the full list of beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 presidential clemency, organized by category in tabulated format:

Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Clemency), 2025

Name
Oroka Michael Chibueze
Adesanya Olufemi Paul
Daniel Bodunwa
Hamza Abubakar
Buhari Sani
Mohammed Musa
Muharazu Abubakar
Ibrahim Yusuf
Saad Ahmed Madaki
Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
Richard Ayuba
Adam Abubakar
Emmanuel Yusuf
Chinedu Stanley
Johnny Ntheru Udor

Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Commutation of Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment), 2025

Name
Emmanuel Baba
Abubakar Usman
Khalifa Umar
Mohammed Umar

Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Grant of Pardon), 2025

Name
Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
Herbert Macaulay
Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
Ken Saro-Wiwa
Saturday Dobee
Nordu Eawo
Daniel Gbooko
Paul Levera
Felix Nuale
Baribor Bera
Barinem Kiobel
John Kpuine