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Full List: Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda, 38 Kidnappers, Drug Dealers, Others From Pardon List
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, from the pardon list.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement disclosed that Tinubu ordered the removal of individuals convicted of severe crimes, including kidnapping, drug offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms possession or trafficking, from the list.
Additionally, those who were previously pardoned on the old list have had their sentences reduced.
The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.
“Following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(& (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.
“This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.
“The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.
“Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
“President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.
“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.
“The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.
“President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
Recall that the pardon granted to Maryam Sanda had drawn widespread condemnation, with the federal government promising to review the list.
The new full list of those granted clemency by President Tinubu:
Pardons:
1. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
5. Herbert Macaulay
6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
7. Ken Saro Wiwa
8. Saturday Dobee
9. Nordu Eawo
10. Daniel Gbooko
11. Paul Levera
12. Felix Nuale
13. Baribor Bera
14. Barinem Kiobel
15. John Kpuine
List of individuals whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment:
1. Emmanuel Baba
2. Abubakar Usman
3. Khalifa Umar
4. Mohammed Umar
The list of those granted clemency:
1. Oroka Michael Chibueze
2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul
3. Daniel Bodunwa
4. Hamza Abubakar
5. Buhari Sani
6. Mohammed Musa
7. Muharazu Abubakar
8. Ibrahim Yusuf
9. Saad Ahmed Madaki
10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
11. Richard Ayuba
12. Adam Abubakar
13. Emmanuel Yusuf
14. Chinedu Stanley
15. Johnny Ntheru Udor
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed the suspension of all actions and enforcement measures relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement issued on the matter, the OSGF disclosed that it received an official correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the proposed ban.
According to the OSGF, the correspondence is currently under review in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.
Consequently, the office directed that all decisions, actions or enforcement related to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be put on hold pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement or action carried out by NAFDAC or any other agency on the matter without due clearance from the office should be regarded as null and void, and therefore disregarded by the public until an official decision is formally communicated.
The statement assured Nigerians that relevant legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and broader national interest considerations are being carefully examined to arrive at a balanced, lawful and well-coordinated outcome.
It added that the public would be duly informed once a final position on the matter is reached.
The Yobe Ministry of Transport and Energy has completed institutional engagements with key aviation agencies for transporting pilgrims from the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 hajj.
Dr Mustapha Geidam, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Tuesday.
He said the engagements were completed with Tuesday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the state government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which will facilitate the full certification of MBICA.
Geidam stated that the state had previously signed memoranda with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
“Collectively, these agreements place Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in full alignment with the regulatory and operational framework prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for airport certification.
“The state government confirms that all the critical institutional, technical and safety requirements for certification have been substantially addressed.
“The Aerodrome Manual and other operational documents have been completed and harmonized with regulatory standards while engagement with NCAA continues to facilitate inspection, validation and final approval,” the permanent secretary said.
He said MBICA had now secured a comprehensive coverage for aerodrome management and airport operations by FAAN, air navigation and air traffic management services by NAMA and aviation meteorological and weather forecasting services by NiMet.
Geidam said the progress recorded underscored the unwavering commitment of the Yobe Government to delivering a fully functional international cargo and passenger airport capable of supporting scheduled commercial flights and special aviation operations, including Hajj and Umrah services.
“This achievement aligns with the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe, Dr Mai Mala Buni, whose development agenda seeks to position Yobe as a strategic aviation, logistics, and economic hub in the North-East region,” the permanent secretary said.
He said the ministry was currently focusing on securing final NCAA certification and operational clearance, strengthening capacity building and operational readiness of airport personnel and sustaining coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
NAN
The Nigerian Judiciary and legal community have been plunged into mourning following the reported death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.
The news was confirmed to Sahara Reporters on Tuesday morning by a close source, who revealed the former CJN died while receiving treatment abroad.
“Ex-CJN Tanko Muhammad is dead. He passed away this morning at a Saudi Arabian Hospital,” the source said.
The Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), National Headquarters, issued a formal condolence statement, dated December 16, 2025, describing his passing as a huge blow.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return,” the statement read. “His demise is a monumental loss to the Nigerian judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation at large.”
NAMLAS praised the retired jurist, noting that throughout his judicial career, he: “Exemplified the highest ideals of the Bench—fairness, courage, and fidelity to the rule of law.”
The association particularly noted his role as a mentor: “To NAMLAS, the late Chief Justice was more than a jurist; he was a fatherly pillar and a source of encouragement to Muslim law students across the country.”
Justice Muhammad served for decades in the Nigerian judiciary, eventually rising to the highest judicial office in the country. He had resigned as CJN in June 2022, citing ill health.
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