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Tinubu Approves Presidential Pardon for Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and 173 Others

Published by admin on October 9th, 2025.

Tinubu Approves Presidential Pardon for Herbert Macaulay, Mamman Vatsa, and 173 Others

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has granted presidential pardons to 175 individuals, including notable historical figures Herbert Macaulay and Major General Mamman Vatsa (retired), following recommendations presented during the Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja.

The decision came after a formal presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who laid out the findings of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. The Council unanimously endorsed the President’s proposal to exercise executive clemency across various categories of convicts.

Though the complete list of beneficiaries is yet to be made public, sources confirmed that Macaulay and Vatsa were among the most high-profile names approved for pardon. Also included were members of the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, groups tied to Nigeria’s environmental justice movement.

A source familiar with the proceedings described Macaulay and Vatsa as “the two most symbolic figures” on the list.

Historic Clemency for Herbert Macaulay

Herbert Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, faced two convictions during the colonial era. In 1913, he was imprisoned for alleged mismanagement of estate funds while working as a private surveyor—an incident long debated by historians. In 1928, he was again jailed for six months on charges of sedition after publishing provocative content in the Lagos Daily News during a tense political standoff over the Eleko of Lagos.

Vatsa’s Controversial Conviction Revisited

Major General Mamman Vatsa, a former Federal Capital Territory minister and prominent military officer, was executed in 1986 after being convicted of treason by a secret tribunal during the Babangida regime. His trial and execution have remained contentious, with persistent calls over the years for a posthumous review and pardon—calls that President Tinubu has now answered.

Breakdown of Clemency Decisions

According to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who briefed the press following the meeting, 82 individuals received full pardons, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Governor Sani emphasized that the move reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to justice system reform and humane correctional practices.

Additional Council Approvals

During the same session, the Council of State confirmed two key federal appointments. Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State was named Chairman of the National Population Commission, while Tonge Bularafa was approved as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State. Both nominations received unanimous support from the Council.

The Council meeting was chaired by President Tinubu and attended by former leaders, top government officials, and key advisers, further reinforcing the administration’s efforts to address historical injustices while promoting institutional accountability.