Nollywood star Kemi Afolabi has voiced her disapproval following President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision to grant a presidential pardon to several convicted criminals, including individuals found guilty of murder and drug trafficking.
The announcement, made public through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information, revealed that 175 inmates across Nigeria had been granted clemency. The list included 28 drug traffickers, 41 illegal miners, and 22 convicted murderers.
The decision has sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with many describing it as a setback for justice and a dangerous precedent. Political leaders, civil rights advocates, and citizens have taken to social media and public platforms to condemn the move, urging the president to reconsider.
In her reaction, actress Kemi Afolabi took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message warning Nigerians to prioritize their safety above all else. She wrote, “Do not allow anyone to take your life. Protect it with everything you have — whether in marriage, friendship, courtship, or any kind of relationship.”
Her comments came shortly after renewed public outcry over the inclusion of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted for the 2017 murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Ahmed. The late Bilyaminu’s family has since expressed outrage, describing the pardon as unjust and deeply painful.
Sanda’s case drew national attention when she was sentenced to death by hanging in January 2020, after being found guilty of stabbing her husband to death in their Abuja home. Her conviction had been viewed by many as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s fight against domestic violence — making news of her reported pardon all the more controversial.
Kemi Afolabi’s post quickly gained traction online, resonating with fans and the public who praised her for speaking up. Many Nigerians echoed her message, urging others to walk away from dangerous relationships rather than become victims of violence.
As debates continue to intensify across social media and political spaces, the presidential pardon remains one of the most talked-about topics in Nigeria, with critics warning that it could erode confidence in the justice system and diminish accountability for serious crimes.