President Tinubu grants historic pardons to Nigerians including Mamman Vatsa, Herbert Macaulay, and the Ogoni Nine in a nationwide act of clemency

President Tinubu has exercised his constitutional power of mercy in a landmark decision, granting pardons, clemency, and sentence reductions to dozens of Nigerians, including some of the nation’s most prominent historical figures.

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In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, executed in 1986 for alleged treason, has been granted a posthumous pardon.

Vatsa, celebrated as both a poet and military officer, was one of 17 individuals cleared following recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) and endorsed by the National Council of State in Abuja.

Also receiving a symbolic posthumous pardon was Herbert Macaulay, the nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) alongside Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Convicted unjustly by British colonial authorities in 1913, Macaulay’s pardon more than a century later represents, according to the presidency, an effort to “erase historical blemishes and uphold justice.”

Among those granted clemency were former legislator Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Alanamu, all of whom were found to have shown remorse and reformed.

Others, including Nweke Francis Chibueze, convicted of cocaine trafficking, and Nwogu Peters, who served 12 years for fraud, also benefited from the President’s gesture.

In a widely applauded move, President Tinubu extended a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni Nine Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine whose execution in 1995 drew international condemnation for human rights violations.

Additionally, national honours were conferred on the Ogoni Four—Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage—in recognition of their contributions and sacrifices toward national development.

In total, the President granted clemency to 82 inmates, reduced sentences for 65 prisoners, and commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment.

The PACPM, chaired by Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, recommended the actions after a comprehensive review process involving 294 inmates, including 175 interviews and 62 external applications.

The committee’s recommendations were guided by clear humanitarian criteria such as old age (60+), terminal illness, youth (16 or below), long-term incarceration, good conduct, and rehabilitation.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume inaugurated the committee in January 2025, highlighting President Tinubu’s drive for justice reform, rehabilitation, and human rights protection.

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A statement from the presidency described the act as “a historic moment in Nigeria’s justice system—one that reconciles past injustices, honours national icons, and promotes societal reintegration for reformed citizens.”