‘Tinubu Is Normalising Impunity, Turning Nigeria Into a Haven for Murderers and Drug Barons’ — Yoruba Union Blasts Presidential Pardons of Criminals

The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has strongly criticised Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant clemency to convicted criminals, calling it a dangerous act that weakens the rule of law and threatens the moral foundation of the country.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group accused Tinubu of fostering a political environment that could one day enable individuals with criminal histories — such as drug traffickers, murderers, and economic saboteurs — to rise to positions of leadership and authority.

“The decision to pardon individuals convicted of heinous crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining represents a grave miscarriage of justice,” the statement read.

“By absolving convicted criminals through political influence, President Tinubu is normalising impunity at the highest level of governance. This action erodes public confidence in the judiciary, weakens democratic institutions, and sends a wrong message that crime pays in Nigeria.”

The Yoruba group described Tinubu’s action as a betrayal of justice, morality, and the Yoruba heritage that promotes Omolúàbí values — integrity, accountability, and respect for life.

“How can a president of a country wake up one day and announce he is going to pardon murderers and drug barons, at a time when Nigeria is facing overwhelming challenges such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, decaying education, and a collapsing health sector?” the statement asked.

The Union said the presidential pardon granted to convicts, including those guilty of economic sabotage and capital offences, showed insensitivity to victims and their families.

It cited the controversial release of Maryam Sanda, convicted for killing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, the son of a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman.

“While the parents of Bilyamin Bello still live with the pain and trauma of losing their son, the government has chosen to reward his killer with freedom. Would they find peace knowing that the same country that convicted their son’s murderer has now pardoned her for political reasons? Such acts of favoritism destroy the moral compass of our society,” the Union said.

The group also recalled President Tinubu’s controversial past, referencing a 1993 U.S. court ruling that linked him to narcotics trafficking. The United States District Court, presided over by Magistrate Judge John A. Rijcklo, stated that Tinubu and his associates “peddled drugs on a large scale,” describing their operations as “substantial.”

The court ruled that the funds seized from Tinubu were “proceeds of narcotics trafficking and property involved in money laundering, in violation of U.S. Code 18 USC §§ 1956 and 1957.”

“It is deeply troubling,” the Yoruba Union said, “that someone who once forfeited $460,000 to the U.S. government as proceeds from drug trafficking now holds the power to pardon others convicted of similar crimes. What moral standing does such a leader have to speak about law, justice, and integrity?”

The group warned that Nigeria risks becoming a country ruled by criminals and corrupt politicians while law-abiding citizens are sidelined or punished.

“When the state chooses to pardon murderers and drug traffickers but continues to prosecute farmers and ordinary citizens for defending their lives and livelihoods, justice loses all meaning,” it said.

To illustrate the imbalance, the Yoruba Union mentioned the case of a farmer named Jackson in Adamawa State, sentenced to death in 2013 after killing a Fulani herder in self-defence. The herder reportedly attacked him after invading his farmland with cattle, yet Jackson was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death by hanging.

“In a country where a poor farmer defending himself is condemned to death, while a convicted murderer walks free by presidential pardon, there is no justice, only selective mercy,” the group stated.

The Yoruba Union expressed concern that Tinubu’s actions were eroding Yoruba values of justice, integrity, and communal responsibility. It warned that glorifying corrupt and criminal figures in politics could breed a generation that views crime as a legitimate route to success and power.

“This is what happens when people vote for leaders guided by self-interest rather than moral values. The consequence is a country trapped in a cycle of corruption, insecurity, and economic despair. Only divine intervention can save Nigeria from the calamities ahead if this culture of impunity persists.”

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá urged religious leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens to stand up against what it called “a creeping normalisation of evil” in Nigeria’s governance.

“The Yoruba people have always stood for truth, justice, and fairness,” it stated. “We cannot sit back while the country descends into moral chaos. President Tinubu must remember that leadership is not about rewarding allies, but about upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and preserving the integrity of the nation.”

The group called on Nigerians, particularly Yoruba citizens, to remain vigilant, defend truth and justice, and resist attempts to normalise corruption and moral decay in leadership.