Amnesty International Faults Tinubu’s Pardons, Says They Undermine Rule Of Law

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant pardons to 175 convicted individuals, saying it undermines justice and the rule of law.

Country Director of Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the organisation was “deeply concerned” that the clemency exercise favoured perpetrators of crimes over victims and their families.

“We are deeply concerned by the clemency and pardons granted by the government of President Bola Tinubu to some persons convicted of human rights crimes, as the pardons for these crimes prevent reparations for victims.

“The way and manner Nigerian authorities carried out the exercise seemed to prioritise the perpetrators instead of access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” Sanusi stated.

President Tinubu had on Friday, October 10, 2025, granted pardons to 175 individuals, including Herbert Macaulay, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and former FCT Minister Major-General Mamman Vatsa (retd).

However, the list generated controversy after it was discovered that it also included convicted drug offenders and Maryam Sanda, who was jailed in 2020 for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

Amnesty International warned that the government’s action could “undermine the rule of law, prevent the emergence of truth, and entrench impunity for human rights crimes.”

Sanusi urged President Tinubu to review the pardons granted to those convicted of human rights violations and to uphold the rights of victims.

“President Bola Tinubu should reconsider his government’s pardons for those convicted of human rights crimes and uphold and ensure the rights of the victims and their families,” he added.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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