Tinubu Grants Historic Pardons to Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine — 82 Inmates Freed, 65 Others Get Sentence Reduction
In a landmark decision that underscores justice, mercy, and national reconciliation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to some of Nigeria’s most significant historical figures — Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside clemency for 82 inmates and sentence reductions for 65 others.
The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, marks a historic gesture of healing and unity.
Herbert Macaulay — revered as a founding father of Nigerian nationalism and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) — was cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which had barred him from holding public office. The pardon officially restores his place as a national hero and pioneer of Nigeria’s independence movement.
Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a respected poet and military officer executed in 1986 on treason charges, also received a posthumous pardon, symbolizing national acknowledgment of his service and creative legacy.
Similarly, the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel — who were executed in 1995 under controversial circumstances, were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also recommended national honours for the Ogoni Four: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.
Among the living beneficiaries, notable names such as Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu received presidential clemency for demonstrating remorse and readiness for reintegration into society.
The pardons were recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, which reviewed 294 cases and interviewed 175 inmates across correctional centers.
The committee considered factors such as old age, terminal illness, good conduct, youthfulness, and rehabilitation efforts in making its recommendations.
This sweeping act of mercy, President Tinubu noted, reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, human rights, and national unity — offering closure for past injustices and second chances for reformed citizens.
In a landmark decision that underscores justice, mercy, and national reconciliation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to some of Nigeria’s most significant historical figures — Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside clemency for 82 inmates and sentence reductions for 65 others.
The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, marks a historic gesture of healing and unity.
Herbert Macaulay — revered as a founding father of Nigerian nationalism and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) — was cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which had barred him from holding public office. The pardon officially restores his place as a national hero and pioneer of Nigeria’s independence movement.
Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a respected poet and military officer executed in 1986 on treason charges, also received a posthumous pardon, symbolizing national acknowledgment of his service and creative legacy.
Similarly, the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel — who were executed in 1995 under controversial circumstances, were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also recommended national honours for the Ogoni Four: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.
Among the living beneficiaries, notable names such as Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu received presidential clemency for demonstrating remorse and readiness for reintegration into society.
The pardons were recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, which reviewed 294 cases and interviewed 175 inmates across correctional centers.
The committee considered factors such as old age, terminal illness, good conduct, youthfulness, and rehabilitation efforts in making its recommendations.
This sweeping act of mercy, President Tinubu noted, reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, human rights, and national unity — offering closure for past injustices and second chances for reformed citizens.
Tinubu Grants Historic Pardons to Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine — 82 Inmates Freed, 65 Others Get Sentence Reduction
In a landmark decision that underscores justice, mercy, and national reconciliation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted posthumous pardons to some of Nigeria’s most significant historical figures — Herbert Macaulay, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, and the Ogoni Nine, alongside clemency for 82 inmates and sentence reductions for 65 others.
The announcement, made after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja on Thursday, marks a historic gesture of healing and unity.
Herbert Macaulay — revered as a founding father of Nigerian nationalism and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) — was cleared of his 1913 colonial conviction, which had barred him from holding public office. The pardon officially restores his place as a national hero and pioneer of Nigeria’s independence movement.
Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a respected poet and military officer executed in 1986 on treason charges, also received a posthumous pardon, symbolizing national acknowledgment of his service and creative legacy.
Similarly, the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel — who were executed in 1995 under controversial circumstances, were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also recommended national honours for the Ogoni Four: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.
Among the living beneficiaries, notable names such as Farouk Lawan, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barr. Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu received presidential clemency for demonstrating remorse and readiness for reintegration into society.
The pardons were recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), chaired by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, which reviewed 294 cases and interviewed 175 inmates across correctional centers.
The committee considered factors such as old age, terminal illness, good conduct, youthfulness, and rehabilitation efforts in making its recommendations.
This sweeping act of mercy, President Tinubu noted, reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, human rights, and national unity — offering closure for past injustices and second chances for reformed citizens.
