Photo File: President Bola Tinubu

A professor of political science and defence studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Toba Alabi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to pardon some convicted criminals, including de-radicalised Boko Haram insurgents and bandits, describing the move as “misplaced” and “potentially demoralising” to security forces.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM, Alabi acknowledged that the President acted within his constitutional powers by granting the prerogative of mercy to 175 convicts, including those found guilty of drug-related offences, fraud, and murder.

“Going by the dictates of the Constitution of Nigeria, the President has the right and power to grant pardon based on prerogative of mercy wherever it is necessary. So, within the Constitution, the President has not done anything wrong,” Alabi said. “But, as we know, no government action in Nigeria escapes controversy — especially when it concerns the executive arm.”

The professor, however, expressed serious reservations about extending such mercy to violent offenders, arguing that it could send the wrong message to both security operatives and victims’ families.

“There is no way we can say this action aids criminality unless the pardoned persons are unrepentant criminals,” he said. “But if someone has killed 100 people and simply says he has repented, and you let him walk home to his family—that is not right. Such people should either be executed or, at the very least, serve life imprisonment. You can commute their sentence, but not grant an outright pardon.”

Alabi warned that pardoning de-radicalised insurgents and bandits could undermine the morale of soldiers still battling terrorism and banditry across the country.

“De-radicalisation is a normal process in any conflict situation or war theatre,” he noted. “But the issue here is what type of pardon are you granting this person? Setting free people who have committed outrageous crimes sends the wrong signal to the troops on the battlefield and the victims’ families.”

On the controversial pardon granted to Maryam Sanda — convicted of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello — Alabi said her case may have been influenced by reports of remorse and good behaviour in prison but urged authorities to re-examine it.

“Yes, if a person has shown remorse and good behaviour after years in prison, the authorities may consider clemency. However, every case must be carefully evaluated to balance compassion with justice,” he said.

Alabi concluded that while the President acted within constitutional bounds, the selective nature of some pardons risked eroding public confidence in the justice system and weakening national security efforts.