Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the clemency and pardons recently granted by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to individuals convicted of human rights crimes, warning that the move could entrench impunity and deny justice to victims.
In a statement on Monday, the global human rights watchdog said the government’s decision appeared to favour perpetrators over victims, thereby obstructing access to justice and reparations for affected families.
“The way and manner Nigerian authorities carried out the exercise seemed to prioritise the perpetrators instead of access to justice and effective remedies for the victims and their families,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation cautioned that the government’s action could undermine the rule of law, hinder truth-seeking processes, and prevent courts from determining guilt or innocence in human rights violations.
Amnesty International urged President Tinubu to reconsider the pardons and ensure that victims and their families receive justice and adequate reparations in accordance with Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
