- President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to nearly 50 convicted drug offenders has stirred public criticism, with many warning it undermines Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.
- The beneficiaries were among 175 inmates approved for pardon by the Council of State, convicted for crimes including drug trafficking and possession.
- Defending the decision, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said it followed the advice of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which cited remorse, good conduct, and vocational training as key factors.
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant state pardon and clemency to nearly 50 convicted drug offenders has drawn public backlash, with many arguing it undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.
The beneficiaries are among 175 inmates recently approved for clemency by the Council of State, convicted for crimes including drug trafficking, possession, and illegal importation of substances such as cocaine, heroin, tramadol, cannabis, and Indian hemp.
Defending the decision, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the move followed advice from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which considered good conduct, remorse, and acquisition of vocational skills in custody.
Some offenders were granted full pardons, while others — including those convicted of kidnapping and murder — had their sentences reduced.
Onanuga explained, “President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on reports that they had shown remorse and good conduct,” adding that some were forgiven due to old age or participation in educational programmes such as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
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