President Bola Tinubu has granted a presidential pardon to late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Ogoni Nine, nearly 30 years after their controversial execution.
He made the announcement on June 12, 2025, during his address to the National Assembly as part of Democracy Day celebrations.
The pardon was granted posthumously under the constitutional powers of the President through the Prerogative of Mercy. The Ogoni Nine were executed in 1995 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, after being convicted of murder — a verdict widely condemned as politically motivated.
President Tinubu also issued a formal apology and conferred posthumous national honours on the nine men:
- Ken Saro-Wiwa – Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
- Saturday Dobee – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Nordu Eawo – OON
- Daniel Gbooko – OON
- Paul Levera – OON
- Felix Nuate – OON
- Baribor Bera – OON
- Barinem Kiobel – OON
- John Kpuine – OON
Tinubu hailed them as heroes who stood for their people, and noted that additional names may be considered for honours after further consultations with the National Council of State.
The execution of the Ogoni Nine remains one of the most controversial incidents in Nigeria’s history, and has continued to stir calls for justice and recognition from Niger Delta communities and human rights groups.
