Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has granted a posthumous pardon to nine environmental activists executed by a military regime in 1995, calling them “national heroes” in a move that has drawn backlash from human rights groups.
The “Ogoni Nine,” including renowned writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, were hanged after being convicted of murdering four traditional leaders a trial widely condemned as unjust. The activists, from the oil-rich Niger Delta, had led protests against environmental damage caused by multinational oil companies, particularly Shell.
Tinubu announced the pardon Thursday during an event marking Nigeria’s 26th year of democracy. However, activists argue that the gesture is insufficient, insisting the men were wrongly convicted and deserve full exoneration.
“A pardon implies guilt. These men were never proven guilty in a fair trial,” said Ken Henshaw of We The People, a Nigerian rights group. “The government must declare their innocence.”
Amnesty International Nigeria echoed the demand, calling for accountability for oil companies responsible for pollution in the Niger Delta.
The 1995 executions under General Sani Abacha triggered global condemnation, with critics alleging the trial was politically motivated. Shell, which operated in the region, has long denied involvement in the activists’ persecution.
While Tinubu’s pardon has symbolic significance, activists say true justice requires legal exoneration and reparations for affected communities.
