President Bola Tinubu has granted a posthumous pardon to late Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa, executed for treason in 1986 under the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of NIgeria

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‎This was announced in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, following a National Council of State meeting in Abuja.
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‎Vatsa, a soldier-poet, was among 17 individuals granted presidential pardons, as endorsed by the council.
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‎The president also granted a posthumous pardon to Herbert Macaulay, pioneer nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).

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‎Macaulay, NCNC’s first President, played a critical role in Nigeria’s independence movement. He was controversially convicted by British authorities in 1913.
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‎Though Macaulay died in 1946, the colonial-era conviction remained on record until now.
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‎Tinubu also pardoned four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan, Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Alanamu.
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‎Their pardons were granted to support their reintegration, following demonstrations of remorse and good conduct.
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‎Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life term for cocaine trafficking, also received a pardon.
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‎Dr Nwogu Peters, jailed 17 years for fraud and having served 12, was likewise pardoned.
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‎The late Ogoni Nine; Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were formally pardoned.
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‎Tinubu further honoured the Ogoni Four; Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage with posthumous national awards.
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‎In a sweeping exercise of constitutional powers, Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced sentences for 65 others.
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‎Seven inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
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‎The clemency decisions were based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM).
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‎PACPM comprises 12 members, chaired by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi.
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‎Other members include Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Prof. Nike Sidikat Ijaiya, Justice Augustine Utsaha, and Dr Onwusoro Maduka (Secretary).
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‎Institutional members include representatives of the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, NHRC, NSCIA, CAN, and Ministry of Special Duties.
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‎The committee submitted its final report to the Council of State on Thursday, in line with constitutional procedures.
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Onanuga said, ‎“A total of 175 inmates were interviewed, and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 inmates considered by the committee, making it a total of 294.”
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‎“One hundred and sixty of the inmates interviewed were male, while 15 were female.

“Eighty-two inmates were recommended for clemency; two for pardon; 65 for sentence reduction; and seven death sentences commuted.
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‎“Fifteen ex-convicts were recommended for Presidential Pardon, 11 of whom are deceased (including the Ogoni 9). The Ogoni Four were also recommended for posthumous national honours.”
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‎“On the whole, a total of one hundred and seventy-five (175) beneficiaries are recommended.”
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‎The committee applied strict criteria including age (60+), terminal illness, youth (under 16), and good behaviour during incarceration.
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He added, ‎“Those who have been in Custodial centres, learnt sustainable vocational trades capable of keeping them away from crime; those who are adjudged remorseful; those who Correctional Officers recommended for exemplary behaviour and Nigerian prisoners deported from other countries.”
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‎Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, inaugurated the PACPM on January 15 to enhance justice, rehabilitation, and human rights in Nigeria

Source NAN