President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a full presidential pardon to the late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others collectively known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha.
The announcement was made on Thursday during the 2025 Democracy Day commemoration in Abuja, as part of the president’s broader effort to promote national healing and reconciliation.
In addition to the pardon, President Tinubu also conferred posthumous national honours on the Ogoni Nine, as well as on other prominent figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including the late Kudirat Abiola, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Bola Ige, and former President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
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The Ogoni Nine Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were hanged in November 1995 after a controversial trial linked to the murder of four Ogoni chiefs, a decision that drew global condemnation and led to Nigeria’s temporary suspension from the Commonwealth.
Thursday’s gesture by Tinubu is seen as a move to address long standing injustices and historical grievances.
In November 2024, the president had pledged to mend national wounds and promote unity.
