By Rejoice Peterside
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardon to 175 convicted individuals, including those found guilty of corruption, drug trafficking, oil theft, and other capital offences.
The organisation described the decision as “legally questionable, morally wrong, and damaging to Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally.”
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the group said the action represents a huge setback in the country’s anti-corruption drive and ongoing efforts to curb organised crime.
Rafsanjani said the decision was shocking and disappointing, especially given that some of the beneficiaries have criminal records outside Nigeria. He noted that among those reportedly pardoned was former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, who was convicted in the United Kingdom for money laundering, as well as several others involved in serious economic and transnational crimes such as oil theft, illegal mining, and drug trafficking.
“You cannot pardon someone convicted by a foreign court when Nigerian jurisdiction wasn’t involved in the conviction. That is beyond the constitutional powers of the Nigerian President,” CISLAC stated.
The organization argued that granting pardon to individuals convicted by foreign courts raises constitutional and diplomatic concerns, warning that such action could damage Nigeria’s credibility in international justice cooperation.
CISLAC stressed that Nigeria’s fight against corruption, narcotics, and financial crimes depends heavily on partnerships with global institutions and foreign governments that provide intelligence, legal assistance, and technical support.
“Pardoning individuals convicted for drug trafficking, financial crimes, and other serious offences sends the wrong signal to Nigeria’s international partners and weakens the credibility of our justice system,” the statement added.
The group further expressed worry that the presidential pardon would demoralize anti-graft and law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Police Force, who had spent years investigating and prosecuting some of the now-freed individuals.
“It’s an insult to the justice system and a slap in the face of anti-corruption officers who risked their lives to bring these people to justice. How do you motivate EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, or police officers to continue their work when their efforts are undone with a single signature?” the organization queried.
While the Federal Government justified the clemency on the grounds of old age, good behaviour, remorse, and participation in rehabilitation and educational programmes such as the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), CISLAC dismissed the reasons as inadequate, especially for individuals whose crimes have had far-reaching effects on the nation’s economy and social stability.
Rafsanjani accused the government of showing double standards by extending clemency to wealthy and politically connected individuals while thousands of ordinary Nigerians continue to languish in correctional centres without trial.
“You have people in prison for petty crimes or without trial for 10 to 20 years, yet the state extends mercy to those who have done real damage to the economy and social fabric of the nation,” Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC also warned that the decision could embolden criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, oil theft, kidnapping, and illegal mining, which are already contributing to the worsening insecurity across the country.
“Some of these individuals may return to the very same criminal networks they were part of. This action will only strengthen the culture of impunity,” the group cautioned.
The civil society organization urged the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive review of the presidential pardon process, with emphasis on transparency, fairness, and accountability. It recommended that priority should be given to inmates awaiting trial and those convicted of minor, non-violent offences rather than politically exposed or influential individuals.
“This is a serious lapse in judgment. Those who advised the President have done the country a disservice. National interest should come before political considerations,” CISLAC noted.
Rafsanjani further called on President Tinubu to demonstrate genuine commitment to justice, accountability, and international cooperation by ensuring that the rule of law is not compromised for political or personal interests.
“Forgiveness should not mean exoneration. Pardon implies that these individuals never committed a crime, which could have dangerous implications. They can now sue if referred to as ex-convicts. This is effectively rewriting history and absolving criminals of responsibility,” he said.
CISLAC warned that continued disregard for due process and selective justice could further erode public trust and damage Nigeria’s image before the global community.
“Nigeria cannot afford to send a message that crime pays. This decision risks encouraging corruption, organised crime, and impunity at a time when the country needs strong leadership in the fight against these vices,” Rafsanjani concluded.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, good governance, and respect for the rule of law, while urging civil society actors and international partners to remain vigilant and hold the government accountable for decisions that undermine the nation’s integrity.
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