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 South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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