General
Analysis: Breakdown of Tinubu’s 175 Presidential Pardons
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Presidency on Saturday released the comprehensive list of 175 convicts and former convicts granted presidential pardon and clemency by President Bola Tinubu.
The list, which includes high-profile cases, illegal miners, white-collar offenders, and those convicted of capital crimes, underscores what the Presidency described as “the President’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and correcting historical wrongs.”
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga in Abuja, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), recommended the release of two inmates, pardoned 15 former convicts (11 posthumously), granted clemency to 82 inmates, and commuted sentences for 65 others.
Additionally, seven inmates on death row had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment.
Business Post details a breakdown of each category of the crimes that were covered by the president’s leniency.
Breakdown of Pardons: Drug and Mining Offences Dominate
A review of data accompanying the presidential statement shows that drug-related offences and illegal mining offences accounted for the vast majority of the pardons granted.
According to an infographic released by Biorazi, 40 per cent (70 individuals) of those pardoned were convicted of drug-related crimes, making it the single largest category. This was followed by illegal mining offences, which represented 34 per cent (60 individuals) of the total. Together, these two categories made up nearly three-quarters of all pardons granted, reflecting the government’s recognition of rehabilitation efforts among offenders involved in non-violent but economically disruptive activities.
Financial and white-collar crimes accounted for 17 per cent (30 individuals), while violent or capital offences represented 14 per cent (25 individuals). Other categories such as property hijacking/maritime crimes (6 per cent), arms-related offences (3 per cent), and human trafficking/exploitation (2 per cent) made up smaller fractions of the total
Our analysis show that clemencies were granted to offenders whose crimes were primarily linked to economic hardship or systemic issues, more than purely violent intent.
Historical and High-Profile Clemencies
Among the beneficiaries are several notable figures, including Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, posthumously pardoned for an alleged 1986 coup plot, and Ken Saro-Wiwa alongside the Ogoni Eight, who were convicted in the controversial 1995 murder case.
The pardon also extended to Sir Herbert Macaulay, a nationalist wronged by British colonial authorities in 1913 for alleged misappropriation of funds.
“This move corrects long-standing injustices, honoring their contributions to Nigeria’s history,” the statement read.
Clemency for Rehabilitated Inmates
The statement also highlighted cases of clemency for individuals who demonstrated remorse and reform. Mrs Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide, received clemency after exhibiting good conduct during her six years at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Similarly, former lawmaker, Mr Farouk Lawan, convicted of corrupt practices, and Mr Nwogu Peters, jailed for fraud, were among those pardoned after serving their sentences and showing evidence of rehabilitation.
Many of the 82 inmates who benefited were those convicted of drug trafficking, illegal mining, and financial crimes, who had acquired vocational skills or enrolled in academic programmes such as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) while serving time.
Examples include Mr Abiodun Elemero, sentenced to life for cocaine trafficking, and Mr Aluagwu Lawrence, jailed for selling Indian hemp, both of whom earned clemency after years of good conduct.
A group of 36 illegal miners, convicted in 2024, also benefited, with Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis pledging to support their rehabilitation and empowerment.
Humanitarian and Reformist Intent
The Presidency emphasized that the exercise reflected President Tinubu’s belief in second chances and reformative justice, noting that seven inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment due to good behavior, ill health, or age.
“This gesture reflects the administration’s commitment to justice tempered with mercy, especially for those who have shown genuine remorse and a commitment to reform,” said Mr Onanuga, in the statement.
The pardons, presented during a Council of State meeting chaired by President Tinubu, have been hailed as a bold move toward healing historical wounds, promoting reintegration, and balancing justice with compassion. Critics have also noted that this was part of political play by the president as he seeks a second term come 2027.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has hailed the recent sanctioning of three Nigerian bureau de change (BDC) operators by the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for alleged terrorism financing.
“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee welcomes the recent inclusion of Mukthar Muhammad Adamu, Nine to Nine BDC, and Generation BDC Limited by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“These designations follow the inclusion of Adamu and his companies as part of a broader update to the Nigeria Sanctions List approved and published on 18th June 2026,” it disclosed in a statement.
It said that the naming of the three companies and six people followed extensive intelligence gathering, financial investigations, and inter-agency assessments, which established reasonable grounds to believe that the affected individuals and entities facilitated, financed, supported, or otherwise contributed to the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and associated terrorist networks.
“The individuals and entities added to the Nigeria Sanctions List on 18th June 2026 are Ibrahim Yakubu Ogirima (NLISWi.19), Muktar Muhammad Adamu (NLISWi.20), Adamu Chiroma (NLISWi.21), Ibrahim Abubakar (NLISWi.22), Abdullahi Umar Usman (NLISWi.23), Babangida Muhammed Adamu Hammajam (NLISWi.24), Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited (NLISWe.25), Generation Currency BDC Limited (NLISWe.26), Nine to Nine BDC Limited (NLISWe.27),” the statement read in part.
The federal government reiterated its directive to all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to continue to comply with all sanctions obligations, including asset-freezing requirements, the filing of suspicious transaction reports, and the reporting of all relevant matches to the appropriate authorities.
The sanctions committee commended the work of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit for their actions to ensure that terrorist groups are denied the resources that sustain their activities.
It stated that Nigeria remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring that terrorists and their financiers find no safe haven within the country’s financial system.
The committee also said that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with domestic stakeholders and international partners to protect national security, strengthen financial integrity, and contribute to global efforts to combat terrorism and its financing.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A radio station, Wise FM, has been sealed by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The premises of the broadcast media platform, located on Ogabi Street, Meiran, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, were shut by the state government on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, alongside other establishments across different parts of Lagos State for alleged persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and opportunities provided for compliance.
In a statement by LASEPA, it was disclosed that the enforcement exercise was carried out in response to various environmental infractions, including noise pollution, air pollution, obstruction of official duties, and failure to comply with its directives.
As regards Wise FM, it was said that it was sealed for noise and air pollution as well as non-compliance with the Agency’s directives.
Another organisation affected, Star-View Terrace, located in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, was shut down for noise pollution and non-compliance with the agency’s directives, while Premiership Suites, located at Akin Osiyemi Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, was sealed for non-compliance with the agency’s directives.
Speaking on the enforcement operation, the General Manager of LASEPA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment across Lagos State.
He stressed that both individuals and corporate organisations have a responsibility to comply with environmental laws and regulations, stressing that environmental protection remains a collective duty that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The LASEPA boss warned that the agency would continue to intensify enforcement actions against violators in order to curb environmental nuisances and protect residents from the harmful effects of pollution.
Mr Ajayi urged residents, business owners, and operators of commercial establishments to adopt environmentally responsible practices and cooperate with regulatory authorities in promoting a healthier, cleaner, and more livable Lagos.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Renowned legal practitioner, Mr Mike Ozekhome, has been directed to desist from using the prestigious title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for now pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.
He is being investigated by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), a body which looks into complaints against lawyers in Nigeria.
Announcing the suspension of the prominent lawyer’s SAN rank on Thursday, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr Kabir Akanbi, said the disciplinary action was taken at the committee’s 173rd general meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Mr Akanbi, who doubles as the Secretary of the LPPC, stated in the statement that the temporary ban is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the SAN rank while the matters under review are being considered.
It was explained that the suspension was pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank, adding that it is tied to disciplinary proceedings currently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other related proceedings.
“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect,” a part of the notice disclosed.
It stressed that, “Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.”
The title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the highest honour bestowed upon legal practitioners in the country, recognising excellence and long-standing contributions to the legal profession. The LPPC is the statutory body empowered to award and withdraw the rank.
Mr Ozekhome is one of Nigeria’s famous constitutional lawyers, human rights activists, and public commentators, but lately, his name was mentioned in an alleged forgery in the United Kingdom.
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