Amnesty International has condemned the presidential pardons extended to 175 inmates by President Bola Tinubu, saying the action emboldens impunity for human rights crimes.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said the actions of Mr Tinubu can undermine the rule of law and prevent reparations for victims.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the clemency and pardons granted by the government of President Bola Tinubu to some persons convicted of human rights crimes, as the pardons for these crimes prevent reparations for victims,” said the statement. “The actions of the government have the potential of undermining the rule of law, preventing the emergence of the truth, the determination of guilt or innocence by a court, and reparations for victims, as well as entrenching impunity for human rights crimes.”

It noted that “the way and manner the 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”.

It urged Mr Tinubu to reconsider the pardons while ensuring that the rights of the victims are upheld.

“President Bola Tinubu should reconsider his government’s pardons for those convicted of human rights crimes, and uphold and ensure the rights of the victims and their families,” said the rights group.

Amnesty International’s statement came against the backdrop of pardons granted to several convicted criminals and murderers serving different jail terms in the country, especially Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband, Biliyaminu Bello.

Mr Bello’s family, in a statement on Monday, condemned Mr Tinubu’s action, describing it as the worst injustice any family could be made to experience.