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The presidency has released the full list of 175 convicts and former inmates granted presidential pardon and clemency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday.
The list released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over the weekend, contained the names of the beneficiaries and their offences.
On the list are illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa and the other Ogoni eight.
The presidential pardon and clemency followed the Council of State’s endorsement of recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi.
Onanuga said President Tinubu granted the clemency based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct.
The pardonees and their offences
Sixteen persons were granted presidential pardon. They are Nweke Francis Chibueze, 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine; Dr Nwogu Peters, 67, serving a 17-year jail term for fraud; Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, 63, who served a sentence for fraud; Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, 58, sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150m in the ICPC case; Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, 63, sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and had served the sentence; a former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, 62, sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.
Those granted posthumous pardon were Sir Herbert Macaulay, who was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists; Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, sentenced in 1986 for treason; the Ogoni Nine sentenced for murder: Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawa, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine.
Presidential clemency was granted to 82 individuals, most of whom were said to have shown “either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail.”
The beneficiaries are Aluagwu Lawrence, 47, sentenced for Indian hemp in 2015; Ben Friday, 60, sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023; Oroke Micheal Chibueze, 21, sentenced to 5 years for dealing in cannabis sativa in 2023; Kelvin Christopher Smith, 42, sentenced to four years for importing cocaine in 2023; Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, 31, sentenced in 2021 to five years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine; Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol; Ahmed Adeyemo, 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis and already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri; Adeniyi Jimoh, 31, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015 and had served nine years at Kirikiri; Seun Omirinde, 39, sentenced to 15 years for drugs in 2015 and had served nine years at Kirikiri.
Adesanya Olufemi Paul, 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft and had served eight years; Ife Yusuf, 37, sentenced for human trafficking in 2019 and had served six years at Kirikiri; Daniel Bodunwa, 43, sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt and had served six years in jail; Fidelis Michael, 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa; Suru Akande, 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
Safiyanu Umar, 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of cannabis sativa in 2023; Dahiru Abdullahi, 46, sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail; Hamza Abubakar, 37, sentenced to 5 years for peddling Indian hemp in 2022; Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, 52, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for criminal breach of trust; Mujibu Muhammad, 30, sentenced in 2022 to five years for cannabis; Emmanuel Eze, 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for heroine;
Bala Azika Yahaya, 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis; Lina Kusum Wilson, 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide and had spent eight years in jail.
Buhari Sani, 33, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis; Mohammed Musa, 27, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis; Muharazu Abubakar, 37, sentenced in 2022 to five years for selling Indian hemp and had spent three years in prison; Ibrahim Yusuf, 34, jailed five years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp; Saad Ahmed Madaki, 72, sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence and had served four years; ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, 72, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005 and had spent 20 years in prison.
Richard Ayuba, aged 38, sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp; Adam Abubakar, 30, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol; Emmanuel Yusuf, 34, sentenced in 2022 to four years for possession of 2kg of tramadol; Edwin Nnazor, 60, sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis and had served 6 years, nine months; Chinedu Stanley, 34, sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil; Joseph Nwanoka, 42, sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs; Johnny Ntheru, 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery and had spent 36 years in prison.
John Omotiye, 28, sentenced to six years for pipeline vandalism; Nsikat Edet Harry, 37, sentenced in 2023 to five years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, cocaine and heroin; Jonathan Asuquo, 28, sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs; Prince Samuel Peters, 54, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent four years, three months in prison; Babangida Saliu, 35, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Adamu Sanni, 39, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.
Abdulkarem Salisu, 30, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Abdulaziz Lawal, 18, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Abdulrahman Babangida, 20, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Maharazu Alidu, 22, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Zaharadeen Baliue, 38, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Babangida Usman, 30, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Zayyanu Abdullahi, 28, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining, 2024; Bashir Garuba, 20, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.
Imam Suleman, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024: Abbeh Amisu, 28, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Lawani Lurwanu, 20, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Yusuf Alhassan, 33, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Abdulahi Isah, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Zayanu Bello, 35, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining; Habeeb Suleman, 22, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining.
Jubrin Sahabi, 23, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Shefiu Umar, 28, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Seidu Abubakar, 29, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Haruna Abubakar, 24, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Rabiu Seidu, 26, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining;
Macha Kuru, 25, sentenced in 2024 to three years for unlawful mining; Zahradeen Aminu, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining.
Nazipi Musa, 25, sentenced to three years for unlawful mining in 2024; Abdullahi Musa, 30, sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Habibu Safiu, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Husseni Sani, 21, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Musa Lawali, 25, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Suleiman Lawal, 23, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Yusuf Iliyasu, 21, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sebiyu Aliyu, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Halliru Sani, 18, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
Shittu Aliyu, 30, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sanusi Aminu, 27, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Isiaka Adamu, 40, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Mamman Ibrahim, 50, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Shuaibu Abdullahi, 35, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sanusi Adamu, 28, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Sadi Musa, 20, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining; Haruna Isah, 35, sentenced to three years in 2024 for unlawful mining.
The statement said Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.
Others are Abiodun Elemero, 43, sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014 and had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri;
Maryam Sanda, 37, sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Inmates recommended for reduced term of imprisonment are Yusuf Owolabi, 36, sentenced to life in 2015 for manslaughter and had spent 10 years at Kirikiri Prison. His term was reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.
Ifeanyi Eze, 33, sentenced to life in 2021 for manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. His Prison term was reduced to 12 years. Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, 59, sentenced to life in 2022 for armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. His sentence was cut to 10 years based on good conduct.
Shettima Maaji Arfo, 54, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for corrupt practices and sentence reduced to four years, for good conduct and ill-health; Ajasper Benzeger, 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for culpable homicide and term reduced to 12 years based on old age and ill-health; Ifenna Kennechukwu, 42, sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for importing cocaine and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.
Mgbeike Matthew, 45, sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for importing 3.10kg and term reduced to 12 years; Patrick Mensah, 40, sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs and term commuted to 11 years; Obi Edwin Chukwu, 43, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs and term reduced to 10 years; Tunde Balogun, 32, sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs and term reduced to 10 years.
Lima Pereira Erick Diego, 27, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20 million for drugs, term reduced to 10 years; Uchegbu Emeka Michael, 37, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20m for drugs, term commuted to 10 years; Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, 46, sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs, sentence reduced to 10 years; Napolo Osariemen, 61, sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp, sentence reduced to seven years.
Patricia Echoe Igninovia, 61, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons, term reduced to five years; Odeyemi Omolaram, 65, sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug, term commuted to 12 years; Vera Daniel Ifork, 29, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons, term reduced to eight years; Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, 32, sentenced in 2022 to six years for dealing in cocaine, term reduced to four years.
Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, 44, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for importing cocaine, term reduced to 10 years; Alh. Ibrahim Hameed, 71, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property under false pretence, sentence reduced to five years; Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence, term reduced to seven years.
Chief Emeka Agbodike, 69, sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence, sentence reduced to three years; Isaac Justina, 40, sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent three years in prison, term reduced to four years; Aishat Kehinde, 38, sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis, term commuted to four years.
Helen Solomon, 68, sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa, sentence reduced to three years; Okoye Tochukwu, 43, sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa, term reduced to 3 years; Ugwueze Paul, 38, sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa, term reduced to three years; Mutsapha Ahmed, 46, sentenced in 2022 to seven years for criminal breach of trust, term reduced to five years.
Abubakar Mamman, 38, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms and term reduced to seven years; Muhammed Bello Musa, 35, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for illegal possession of firearms, term reduced to seven years; Nnamdi Anene, 67, sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment for illegal dealing of arms, term reduced to 20 years; Alh. Abubakar Tanko, 61, sentenced in 2018 to 30 years for culpable homicide, term reduced to 20 years.
Chisom Francis Wisdom, 30, sentenced in 2018 to 20 years for kidnapping, term reduced to 12 years; Innocent Brown Idiong, 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian hemp, term reduced to six years; Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, 46, sentenced to 2021 to seven years, term commuted to five years; Ada Audu, 72, sentenced in 2022 to seven years, term reduced to four years;
Bukar Adamu, 40, sentenced to 20 years for advance fee fraud, term reduced to nine years.
Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, term reduced to 13 years; Frank Azuekor, 42, sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping for 20 years, term reduced to 13 years; Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, 47, sentenced to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs, had spent 11 years and term reduced to 13 years.
Professor Magaji Garba, 67, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence, term was reduced to four years; Markus Yusuf, 41, sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide, term commuted to five years based on ill-health;
Samson Ajayi, 31, sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs, term reduced to seven years; Iyabo Binyoyo, 49, sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs.
Oladele Felix, 49, was in 2022 to five years for conspiracy and exploitation, term reduced to four years; Rakiya Beida, 33, sentenced in 2021 to seven years, for theft and cheating, term reduced to three years;
Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, 44, sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for exporting cocaine, term commuted to eight years; Chukwudi Destiny, 36, sentenced in 2022 to six years for importing heroin, term cut to four years.
Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, 47, sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin, term reduced to four years; Major S.A. Akubo, 62, sentenced in 2009 to life for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons, term commuted to 20 years; John Ibiam, 39, sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter, term cut to 10 years; Omoka Aja, 40, sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, term commuted to 10 years.
Chief Jonathan Alatoru, 66, sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat, term reduced to five years; Umanah Ekaette Umanah, 70, sentenced in 2022 to 10 years, term commuted to five years;
Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, sentenced in 2020 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence, term reduced to five years; Jude Saka Ebaragha, 44, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy, term commuted to six years, and the fine was waived.
Frank Insort Abaka, 46, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1m fine for conspiracy, term reduced to six years and the fine was waived; Shina Alolo, 42, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1m fine, term cut to six years amd fine waved; Joshua Iwiki, 50, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, term commuted to six years in prison and fine waved; David Akinseye, 44, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1m fine for conspiracy, term commuted to six years, and the fine waived.
Ahmed Toyin, 46, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1m fine for conspiracy, sentence commuted and fine waived; Shobajo Saheed, 57, sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, got a similar reprieve like the others; Adamole Philip, 52, sentenced to 12 years and a N1m fine for conspiracy, got a similar pardon.
Mathew Masi, 39, sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1m for conspiracy, sentence reduced to six years, and the fine waived; Bright Agbedeyi, 46, sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy, also got a similar reprieve.
Some inmates on death row had it reduced to life imprisonment. They are Emmanuel Baba, 38, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide; Emmanuel Gladstone, 45; Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, 51; Abubakar Usman, 59; Khalifa Umar, 37; Benjamin Ekeze, 40 and Mohammed Umar, 43.
Reactions trail Sanda, Farouk Lawan, others’ pardon
Meanwhile, the decision by Tinubu to grant clemency to the inmates convicted of murder and drug trafficking has stirred controversy among Nigerians, especially on social media.
Many faulted the president for pardoning several drug dealers and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death about five years ago for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. They, however, applauded the presidential pardon extended to some late nationalists.
One Dr Bello Anka said: “Pardon is indeed the prerogative of the President, but a list made up of a lot of drug dealers and a well-known murderer leaves more questions than answers.”
An X user, Megamixer, said: “Start with Farouk Lawan. Nigeria finally secured a rare, high-profile anti-corruption conviction, and the Supreme Court upheld it in January 2024. A presidential pardon converts a hard-won deterrent into a cautionary tale that elite sanctions are reversible. That is corrosive to ethics, public trust, and the rule of law. Then Nweke Francis Chibueze. Court records showed he exported 1.416 kg of cocaine through Murtala Muhammed International Airport. A full pardon for a serious trafficking offence, announced without a transparent rehabilitative rationale, normalises a predatory market that targets the young. It undercuts frontline narcotics enforcement and public health messaging.
“Add Maryam Sanda. She was convicted of killing her husband, and the Court of Appeal affirmed the death sentence in 2020. Clemency here tramples victims’ rights. How should the Bello family process the state’s choice to relieve the killer of their son while offering them only memories? Mercy without restorative justice retraumatises families and cheapens the sanctity of life.
“Consider Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, whose 12-year bribery sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court. Nullifying apex-court outcomes in corruption cases tells ambitious graduates and public officials that consequences are negotiable.”
Gondo Andy wondered why presidential pardon was granted to “murderers, drug traffickers and financial criminals,” when innocent people languish in prisons awaiting trial for years longer than the stipulated number of years they would have spent even if found guilty.
Julius Ayanladun also said, “I don’t know why we politicise everything in Nigeria. I’m sure those that really merited this didn’t get it. People who stole money, killed husband just 6 years ago, Tramadadol and cocaine dealers were the beneficiaries. Those who have spent 20 years plus should have been considered.”
Another X user, with the handle Xer_xes, said: “Though “a presidential pardon is legal,” it raises serious questions about justice, deterrence and fairness to victims’ families, when people convicted of homicide and major crimes are freed or commuted so quickly.”
Presidential pardon to nationalists applauded
However, Tinubu was commended for pardoning iconic nationalist figures, describing his decision as a deep understanding that justice should have a touch of humanity.
On Facebook, Nanle Shiktu, stated, “By pardoning heroes like Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Vatsa, and granting clemency to deserving inmates, the President demonstrates a deep understanding that justice must also serve humanity. Equally significant is the posthumous pardon of the Ogoni nine a long-awaited recognition of their sacrifice and struggle for environmental and social justice.”
Another commenter, Nanle Shiktu, said, “By extending posthumous pardons to iconic figures like Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, as well as the Ogoni Nine, the President demonstrates a strong commitment to truth, justice, and the restoration of dignity to those who were wronged by the weight of history.”
Tinubu using his constitutional powers recklessly — PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticised President Tinubu for what it described as a reckless use of his constitutional powers in granting presidential pardon to several convicted individuals.
Speaking with Daily Trust, the PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said that although the President’s action falls within his constitutional rights, the way it was exercised reflects poor judgment and disregard for public sensitivity.
“The presidential pardon falls within the constitutional powers of the President, and he can choose to exercise it recklessly. The onus is on Nigerians to review this and similar actions of these elements,” Abdullahi stated in a message sent to Daily Trust in response to enquiries.
He urged Nigerians to critically assess the President’s recent decisions, including the controversial pardons, and to make their opinions known.
National disgrace – ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described Tinubu’s action as “pathetic and a national disgrace.”
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the move undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, encourages criminality, and further damages the country’s international reputation.
“The ADC finds it pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace that the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to several convicted criminals amount to a grossly irresponsible abuse of the presidential prerogative of mercy,” the statement read.
Abdullahi explained that presidential pardons are intended to correct miscarriages of justice or reward genuine reform, not to absolve dangerous offenders.
“Pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility—to correct injustice or to those who have paid their debts to society. But what does Nigeria stand to gain from this act of clemency for convicts serving life sentences who have barely spent two years behind bars?” he asked.
The ADC praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies for their relentless fight against narcotics, saying the presidential pardon undermines their sacrifices.
The ADC warned that the decision could also damage Nigeria’s global credibility in the fight against drug trafficking.
Atiku: Tinubu’s style of presidential pardon emboldens criminality
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Tinubu’s action as a reckless act that emboldens criminality and weakens the moral foundation of governance.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Atiku said the development has “provoked outrage across the nation,” adding that while the power of pardon is a legitimate constitutional tool, it must be exercised with prudence and integrity.
“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative — a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state,” Atiku wrote.
“When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.”
The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said extending clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption diminishes the sanctity of justice and sends “a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.”
Atiku noted that Nigeria is currently grappling with insecurity, moral decay, and an alarming rise in drug-related offences, making the President’s decision “both shocking and indefensible.”
He said, “Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation still struggles to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.”
