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Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon to Criminals And Corrupt Individuals Sparks Public Outrage

Nigerians have lashed out at President Bola Tinubu over his decision to pardon criminals through the exercise of his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.

Recall that Tinubu had last week pardoned 175 Nigerians convicted for various offences, ranging from drug trafficking to murder, armed robbery and illegal mining, among others, and who are serving various terms in prison, including death sentence.
Ordinarily, the President should be receiving accolades for such an action, but the reverse has been the case.
A report by DailyPost revealed that Nigerians have taken to different mediums to lambast the President for pardoning criminals and corrupt individuals.
Tinubu has been under fire, particularly for extending such pardon to drug traffickers and murderers, who are supposed to serve long terms in prison and have only served barely two years.
The argument in some quarters is that the president’s action would only embolden others who want to peddle drugs illegally into believing that even when they are caught, they will only get a light punishment and eventually pardoned.

There are those who have argued that the president’s action runs contrary to the avowed government’s position against drug trafficking.

Those on this side of the argument believe that the much touted slogan of waging war against drug trafficking is just a veil cast on Nigerians.
Yet, there are others who are worried by how the outside world would perceive Nigeria. They are worried that the international community would see Nigeria as a trading hub and safe haven for drug traffickers.
The likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, civil society organisation and political parties have all spoken out, condemning the President’s action and warning of its dire consequences for the country.
The ADC, in a statement by its interim national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday said the President’s action undermines the country’s anti-drug efforts and encourages crime, as well as further tarnishes Nigeria’s image in the international community.
It stated that what President Tinubu did amounts to abuse of his prerogative of mercy to grant clemency to persons serving prison terms for drug related offences, especially when most of them have barely served two years.
Describing the pardon as pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace, he noted that officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have taken grave risks to prosecute and secure convictions for drug offenders.
It argued that granting clemency to such convicts was nothing but a mockery of the efforts of gallant officers in the fight against narcotics and illicit drugs.
“According to official media statements, it appears that all it takes to get presidential clemency for even the worst of crimes in Nigeria, including drug trafficking, gun running and murderers is to show remorse and learn skills.
 
“Pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility and to correct perceived miscarriages of justice, and to convicts who have paid their debts to society. But we wonder what Nigeria stands to benefit from this act of clemency to convicts serving life sentences who have barely served two years.
 
“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria is still regarded as a major transit point for illicit drugs while we face a serious national pandemic of drug use, especially among our youths. Several reports have it that Nigeria’s drug use stands at an estimated 14.4 percent, almost three times the global average of 5.5 percent.

“For years, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have risked their lives and limbs to combat this problem, dismantle illicit drug networks, intercept consignments, prosecute offenders and secure convictions.

 
“The men and women in these agencies have laboured under enormous risk and pressure to protect the public from the scourge of addiction, trafficking and related crimes that carry some of the harshest penalties in Nigerian law, precisely because of their devastating impact on public health, youth development and national security.
 
“Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws, therefore, strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and makes a mockery of the gallant efforts of officers fighting the battle against narcotics and illicit drugs,” the party said.
 
On the implication of the president’s action in the international arena, the party also said: “These pardons also send reverberations beyond Nigeria’s borders.
 
“They undercut our standing among global partners in the fight against drug trafficking and give the unfortunate impression to the rest of the world that our country, under President Tinubu, has particular sympathy for drug dealers and that Nigeria is a risk-free jurisdiction for traffickers in narcotics.
 
“Make no mistakes, with this mass clemency for drug dealers, President Tinubu and the APC are redefining the standard of morality in our country. They are gradually transforming Nigeria into a country where anything goes; a country where even the worst of crimes attract no punishment beyond a few months of inconvenience for the criminal to show remorse.”
Similarly, in a post on his social media platforms, Atiku said the President’s action was not only reckless but it also emboldens criminality, stressing that as expected it provoked outrage across the nation.
He explained that ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state. When properly exercised, he said it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.
“Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite. The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes, such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder and corruption, not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds,” he lamented.

He noted that at a time when Nigeria continues to writhe under the weight of insecurity, moral decay and a surge in drug-related offences, “it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritise clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order.
“Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2 percent percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.
 
“Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations.”
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 added that it was no surprise that this administration continued to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.
He argued that, “A presidential pardon is meant to symbolise restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralisation of law enforcement and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.
 
“Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders from the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.
 
“Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivialises it.”
 
However, for el-Rufai, the President’s action was not that of compassion as many would think but that of a reunion of people of like minds.
Writing on his Twitter handle, he said: “For a president once accused of forfeiting $460,000to the US authority in a drug linked investigation, pardoning drug dealers feels less like compassion and more like a class reunion of cartel alumni association.’
Even the presidential aides were not left out in the condemnation.
The Special Adviser on Policy Communication in the South East to the President, Josef Onoh has also called on President Tinubu to revoke the pardon, particularly that of Maryam Sanda who committed murder for killing her husband and other convicted drug traffickers
In a statement, he said: “It is morally wrong to extend mercy to such offenders. It is a rape of justice that is capable of damaging Nigeria’s international reputation.”
 
He argued that the decision contradicted the principle of rule of law as enshrined in the 1999 constitution and international norms like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
 
“This act, while constitutionally permissible, contravenes the moral imperatives of retributive justice and restorative equity.
 
“It inflicts psychological trauma on victims’ families, perpetuates systemic injustice and erodes the deterrence mechanisms essential for societal stability,” he stated.
He argued that pardoning Sanda undermines the intrinsic value of human life and the principle of accountability, while granting clemency to drug traffickers signals a moral abdication that normalises predation on society’s most fragile members.
 
“Nationally, this portrays Nigeria as a haven for impunity and deters foreign investment in a country already battling reputational deficits from corruption.
 
“Internationally, it undermines Nigeria’s credibility with institutions like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which has commended the country’s anti-narcotics efforts,” he stated.
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ASUU Strike Grounds Academic Activities in Nigerian Universities

Following the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU’s ongoing two-week warning strike, academic activities have been grounded in most public universities across the country according to a check on Monday.
This is as members of ASUU fully observed the strike action, a report by DailyPost has revealed.
Recall that we had reported that ASUU on Monday commenced a two-week warning strike following the expiration of its ultimatum to the government
The renewed face-off between the ASUU and the FG came after negotiations aimed at preventing another prolonged shutdown of public universities failed.
On October 10, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government was in the final phase of talks with aggrieved lecturers and other university-based unions to resolve outstanding issues related to welfare, funding, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
Alausa noted that the Tinubu administration had made notable progress, including the release of N50 billion for Earned Academic Allowances and the inclusion of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, to be disbursed in three tranches.

But ASUU disclosed after the meeting that the government presented to them a document that was “totally alien to issues discussed at plenary, particularly the item on conditions of service”.
According to ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna the union’s demands include; Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement based on Nimi Briggs Committee’s Draft Agreement of 2021; the release of withheld three-and-half months’ salaries on account of the 2022 strike action; Release of unpaid salaries of staff on sabbatical, part-time, and adjunct appointments due to the application of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS.
Others include release of outstanding third-party deductions such as pension deductions, check-off dues, and cooperative contributions; Funding for revitalization of public universities and Payment of arrears of 25% – 35% salary award for 12 months.
The union in a statement on Sunday warned its members across the country that any “violation of this strike action will be met with severe sanctions”.
There was a total compliance across all federal and state universities in Nigeria.
When our correspondent visited the Moses Adasu University Makurdi, Benue State at about 12pm on Monday, all classes were empty while only a few students were seen around the campus.
Ongoing semester examinations at several universities across the country were disrupted following the industrial dispute.
Some of the affected institutions include, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, the University of Benin, Edo State, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and the University of Jos, Plateau State.
According to findings by DAILY POST, Bayero University Kano and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU in Bauchi State had just concluded their semester examinations, narrowly escaping the two-week strike period.
At the Nasarawa State University, ASUU officials were seen moving from one examination hall to another, compelling students to vacate the halls.
One of the stranded students at the Moses Adasu University, Joseph Adoyi who spoke with DAILY POST, lamented that the industrial action has disrupted his plans.
“Actually the strike touched me. I was thinking I would be at 300 level in the next three months but in Nigerian universities, students propose, ASUU disposes.

“All in all we are still on ground hoping that the two-week warning strike would end in those two-weeks.

“At first, I thought the strike would be called off before the day break, especially after seeing the latest news about FG placing a No Pay policy.
 
“But this morning, it’s a different story when lecturers told us this morning to start going home. I pray it all ends before that two weeks”, he said.
Similarly, a final year student of the Federal University Dutse, in Jigawa State, Mary Ajegba claimed that the incessant industrial action by the university teachers has grossly affected her learning and graduation.
“If not for the ASUU strike, I should be wearing my khaki by now as a corps member but here we are not knowing when we will graduate. They said it’s just two-week. By experience, I don’t see this matter resolved soon.
 
“This year and next year, 2026 are the best time for them to strike because another election is coming. The only time ASUU embarks on strike is when a new government just comes in.
 
“How I wish there is another way for these people to resolve their differences instead of tampering with people’s destinies”, she lamented.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna on Monday said the union is ready to resume talks with the Federal Government, reaffirming the union’s commitment to dialogue as the only path to resolving the lingering industrial dispute.
“Today, I received a call from Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Federal Government Team, and he’s eager to resume talks with us.
 
“I also received another call from the Minister of State for Labour, stating that she’s been directed to intervene and get this matter resolved.
 
“ASUU is willing. We are ready and available to discuss this matter once and for all,” Piwuna said during an interview on Channels TV.
Meanwhile, the FG had directed Vic-Chancellors of all federal universities to immediately stop the remuneration of the striking lecturers.
In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the FG urged the vice-chancellors to enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
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ASUU Strike: FG Directs Vice-Chancellors to Stop Lecturers’ Salary

The Federal Government has ordered salaries of lecturers to be stopped.
This is as FG directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities in Nigeria to commence enforcement of “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
Recall that university teachers are currently on strike over FG’s inability to meet their outstanding demands.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads
The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC.
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NNPC Increases Petrol Price to N992/Litre in Lagos

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced it has increased the pump price of petrol from N865 to N992 per litre.
However, it gave no official explanation as to the sudden adjustment.
However, attendants at several NNPC retail outlets confirmed receiving directives to update their pump meters to reflect the new price.
At the NNPC station on Ogunusi Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, staff told The Nation that they had been instructed to switch the price to N992 per litre. Meanwhile, a visit to other outlets, including those in Ibafo along the Lagos–Ibadan expressway, showed that while some still displayed the previous rate of N875 per litre, they were not dispensing fuel to motorists.
Many NNPC stations across the region were also observed to be closed or not selling petrol as of Monday, October 13.
The development comes amid growing reports of petrol scarcity in parts of the country, with Abuja recently experiencing long queues linked to a reported dispute involving Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
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See 175 Beneficiaries of Tinubu’s Pardons (Full List)

A list of all the 175 persons granted presidential pardon and clemency by President Bola Tinubu has been made public.
Those pardoned include, late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, nationalist Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The list, released on Saturday, is divided into six parts: pardoned, posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), list of inmates recommended for reduced term of imprisonment, and list of inmates on death row reduced to life imprisonment.
Below is the full list of beneficiaries as contained in the statement:
Pardoned
Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine
Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013

Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud

Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case
Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence
Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence
Posthumous pardon
Sir Herbert Macaulay — banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists
Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46 — sentenced in 1986 for treason (alleged coup plot)
Posthumous pardon: The Ogoni nine
Ken Saro Wiwa — sentenced for murder
Saturday Dobee — sentenced for murder
Nordu Eawa — sentenced for murder
Daniel Gbooko — sentenced for murder
Paul Levera — sentenced for murder
Felix Nuate — sentenced for murder
Baribor Bera — sentenced for murder
Barinem Kiobel — sentenced for murder
John Kpuine — sentenced for murder
Victims of Ogoni Nine honoured
Chief Albert Badey
Chief Edward Kobaru
Chief Samuel Orage
Chief Theophilus Orage
Presidential clemency
Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015
Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023
Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023
Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023
Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine

Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol

Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri
Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31 years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri
Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri
Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. Had served eight years
Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri
Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. Had served six years in jail
Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa
Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5 kg of cannabis sativa, 2023
Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail
Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022
Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust
Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis
Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for heroin
Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis
Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail
Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis
Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis
Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison
Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp
Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison
Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison
Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp
Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2 kg of tramadol
Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2 kg of tramadol
Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison
Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil
Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs
Johnny Ntheru, aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison
John Omotiye, aged 28, sentenced to six years for pipeline vandalism
Nsikat Edet Harry, aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for illegal possession of Indian hemp, cocaine & heroin
Jonathan Asuquo, aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp & other drugs
Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. Had spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison
Babangida Saliu, aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Zayyanu Abdullahi, aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Bashir Garuba, aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Abbeh Amisu, aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Lawani Lurwanu, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024
Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024
Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Haruna Abubakar, aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Macha Kuru, aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining
Zahradeen Aminu, aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining
Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024
Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining
Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri
Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre
List of inmates recommended for reduced term of imprisonment
Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015 for manslaughter. Had spent 10 years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years
Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years
Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for armed robbery & possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years
Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for corrupt practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health
Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health
Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years
Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10 kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri.
Sentence reduced to 12 years
Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years
Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20 million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20 million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years
Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years
Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drugs. Sentence reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and
advanced age
Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years
Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years
Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years
Alh. Ibrahim Hameed, aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years
Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to seven years
Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years
Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years
Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years
Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years
Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years
Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years
Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years
Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years
Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years
Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years
Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years
Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years
Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian hemp. Has already spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi
Custodial Centre. Jail term reduced to six years
Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years
Ada Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and had spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age
Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years
Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years
Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and had spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years
Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He had spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years
Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and advanced age
Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health
Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He had spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years
Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct
Oladele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is serving the term at Suleja
Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021 to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct
Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years
Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years
Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years
Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years
John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills
Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years
Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years
Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness
Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He had served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the initial sentence has been reduced to five years
Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1 million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived
Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived
Shina Alolo, 42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years
Joshua Iwiki, aged 50: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison
David Akinseye, aged 44: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years & N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived
Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years & N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived
Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others
Adamole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years & a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived
Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1 million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived
Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve
List of inmates on death row reduced to life imprisonment
Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness
Emmanuel Gladstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and had spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse
Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51: sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and had spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment
Abubakar Usman, aged 59: sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct
Khalifa Umar, aged 37: sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment
Benjamin Ekeze, age 40: sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and had spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life
Mohammed Umar, aged 43: sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and had spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.
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Presidential Pardon: Dino Melaye Slams President Tinubu For Pardoning 70 Drug Lords

A former lawmaker, Dino Melaye has lashed out at President Bola Tinubu over recent presidential pardon granted to some drug offenders.
Taking to Instagram, Dino said the President by his action has made a mockery of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA’s effort to eradicate drug trafficking in Nigeria.
According to him, the President needs to scrap the agency following his granting of the presidential pardon to 90 drug offenders.
Read his post below:
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No Work, No Pay – FG Threatens ASUU Over Nationwide Strike

The Federal Government has insisted that its ‘no work, no pay policy’ will be implemented against striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members.
This is as the union embarked on a warning strike this Monday.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed said the government remains committed to resolving ASUU’s concerns through continued dialogue.
 
“The Federal Government has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its discussions with the Union,” the statement said.
According to the ministers, several of ASUU’s key demands — including enhanced teaching allowances and better conditions of service — have already been addressed.
They added that other unresolved matters fall under the authority of university governing councils, which have been reconstituted to handle them.
 
“Despite these efforts, ASUU has chosen to embark on strike action, a decision that fails to reflect fairness to students or the public,” the statement read.
Reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to maintaining academic stability, the ministers cautioned that the “no work, no pay” policy remains a valid labour law and would be applied if universities are shut down.
They urged ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to the dialogue table, emphasizing that “the government remains open to engagement at all levels to avoid unnecessary disruption in the education sector.”
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PDP, LP, APGA, SDP, NNPP Senators Working With APC – Shehu Sani

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani has claimed that senators of the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party are working with the APC senators.
Sani stated this in a post on X while reacting to remarks by the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed that defectors are cowards.
Posting on X: “The opposition sits on the left hand side of the Senate President in the Chamber. It appears that the side is becoming empty.
 
“The Bauchi Governor reportedly called the defectors ‘cowards’.
 
“The truth is that even without defections,the LP, PDP, APGA, SDP, and NNPP senators are working ‘harmoniously’ with the ruling party senators.”
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ASUU Declares Nationwide Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a nationwide warning strike.

ASUU announced the two-week nationwide warning strike after the expiration of its 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the decision during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, stating that the industrial action would take effect from midnight, marking the end of the ultimatum.
He explained that the strike aims to compel the government to fulfill its outstanding agreements with the union and tackle the ongoing challenges confronting public universities across Nigeria.
The union had issued the ultimatum on September 28, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to resolve long-standing disputes within the university system.
Piwuna said the action became necessary after repeated engagements with the government produced no meaningful outcome, declaring that, “all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services from midnight, 12:01 am on Monday, 13th October 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting.”
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Mass Pardon For Drug Traffickers, Murderers A National Disgrace – ADC Slams Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardons to several convicted murderers, drug traffickers, and smugglers.

Recall that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration released a list of all 175 beneficiaries of the President’s pardon and clemency. The list was released in a press statement on Saturday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the action as “pathetic and a national disgrace.”

It warned that the move undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts, encourages crime, and further tarnishes Nigeria’s image in the eyes of the world.

The statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds as pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to several convicted criminals by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It amounts to a most irresponsible abuse of the presidential power of prerogative of mercy to grant express pardon to dozens of convicts held for drug trafficking, smuggling, and related offences, especially when most of these convicts have barely served two years in jail for offences that carry a penalty of life imprisonment.

“According to official media statements, it appears that all it takes to get presidential clemency for even the worst of crimes in Nigeria, including drug trafficking, gun running, and murder, is to “show remorse and learn skills.”

“Pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility and to correct perceived miscarriages of justice, and to convicts who have paid their debts to society. But we wonder what Nigeria stands to benefit from this act of clemency to convicts serving life sentences who have barely served two years.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria is still regarded as a major transit point for illicit drugs while we face a serious national pandemic of drug use, especially among our youths. Several reports have it that Nigeria’s drug use stands at an estimated 14.4%, almost three times the global average of 5.5%.

“For years, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have risked life and limb to combat this problem, dismantle illicit drug networks, intercept consignments, prosecute offenders, and secure convictions. The men and women in these agencies have laboured under enormous risk and pressure to protect the public from the scourge of addiction, trafficking, and related crimes that carry some of the harshest penalties in Nigerian law, precisely because of their devastating impact on public health, youth development, and national security. Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws therefore strikes at the very foundation of Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and makes a mockery of the gallant efforts of officers fighting the battle against narcotics and illicit drugs.

“These pardons also send reverberations beyond Nigeria’s borders. They undercut our standing among global partners in the fight against drug trafficking and give the unfortunate impression to the rest of the world that our country, under President Tinubu, has particular sympathy for drug dealers and that Nigeria is a risk-free jurisdiction for traffickers in narcotics.”

The party pointed out that with the mass clemency for drug dealers, Tinubu and the APC are redefining the standard of morality in Nigeria.

According to the ADC, they are gradually transforming Nigeria into a country where anything goes, where even the worst of crimes attract no punishment beyond a few months of inconvenience for the criminal to, by their assessment, “show remorse.”

The ADC stated that its mission is to rescue Nigeria from the APC, to whom public opinion or accountability means nothing, and power and impunity mean everything.

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