The National Council of State has approved the exercise of presidential prerogative of mercy for 175 individuals, following a recommendation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during its meeting on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.
The move, presented by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
High-Profile Posthumous Pardons
Among the beneficiaries are:
Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, who was convicted by British colonial authorities in 1913 and 1928.
Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former FCT Minister and member of the Supreme Military Council, who was executed in 1986 after being convicted of treason over an alleged coup against then-military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida.
Also included are members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, whose executions in the 1990s drew international outrage.
A source at the meeting confirmed, “Herbert Macaulay and Vatsa are among the two major ones on that list.”
Breakdown of the 175 Beneficiaries
82 inmates granted full presidential pardon
65 inmates had their sentences reduced
7 death sentences commuted to life imprisonment
Justice and Reform
Briefing journalists, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the decision reflects President Tinubu’s “commitment to justice and correctional reform.”
Other Council Approvals
The Council also ratified several key appointments, including:
Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Niger State) as Chairman, National Population Commission
Tonge Bularafa (Yobe State) as Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission
Both appointments received unanimous approval from Council members.
More details are expected to follow.