President Tinubu Grants Posthumous and General Pardons to 175 Nigerians, Including Late Mamman Vatsa and Ogoni Nine

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardons to several notable Nigerians—both living and deceased—convicted of various offences, sparking national conversations about justice, reconciliation, and the credibility of the exercise.

The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, included the posthumous pardon of Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime for alleged coup plotting. Vatsa, a respected soldier and poet, was among 17 individuals granted presidential clemency following recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM).

Also pardoned posthumously was Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s foremost nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Convicted in 1913 under colonial rule and banned from public office, Macaulay’s name has now been officially cleared. “The act removes the last vestige of colonial injustice from his record,” noted presidential aide, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

Other beneficiaries include several former convicts such as Farouk Lawan, former House of Representatives member; Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia; Barrister Hussaini Umar; and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, all granted pardons for demonstrating remorse and a desire for reintegration into society. Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine-related offences, and Dr. Nwogu Peters, who served 12 of a 17-year sentence for fraud, were also pardoned.

In a move laden with historical significance, President Tinubu also issued a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni Nine—Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuine, Felix Nuate, Nordu Eawo, Saturday Dobee, Daniel Gbooko, and Paul Levera—activists executed in 1995 under General Sani Abacha’s military regime. The President additionally conferred national honours on four Ogoni leaders—Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage—collectively remembered for their role in environmental justice advocacy.

Exercising his constitutional power of mercy, the President approved clemency for 82 inmates, commuted the death sentences of seven prisoners to life imprisonment, and reduced the prison terms of 65 others.

The PACPM, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, comprises 12 members including former Attorney General Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (CON), academics, jurists, and representatives from key institutions such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, and faith-based organizations.

The committee reviewed 294 cases—175 inmates and 119 ex-convicts—applying criteria such as old age, terminal illness, long-term service, remorse, vocational training, and exemplary conduct.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, inaugurated the PACPM on January 15, 2025, describing it as a crucial effort to promote justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria’s correctional system.

While the pardons have been welcomed by some as a gesture of national healing, they have also reignited public debate on the consistency and transparency of Nigeria’s clemency process—particularly regarding political and economic offences.

As Nigeria approaches 65 years of independence, the move underscores President Tinubu’s stated commitment to restorative justice, reconciliation, and national unity—though analysts suggest the exercise’s credibility will depend on how it aligns with ongoing anti-corruption and judicial reform efforts.