President Bola Tinubu, has officially signed the instrument of clemency and pardon, completing the process of exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy.
A statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President approved the release of certain individuals who had been convicted of various offences.
According to the statement, the decision followed consultations with the Council of State and consideration of public opinion. President Tinubu subsequently ordered a review of the earlier approved list in line with his discretionary powers under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The review, Onanuga noted, led to the removal of persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and unlawful possession or dealing in firearms.
Others who were previously on the list had their sentences commuted rather than fully pardoned.
