The Federal Government says the list of 175 persons granted presidential pardon is still undergoing a thorough legal and administrative review to ensure strict compliance with existing laws and procedures.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, clarifying that no individual has been released under the latest clemency exercise.
According to Fagbemi, the process remains at the “final administrative stage,” where the names and documents of all recommended beneficiaries are being verified to prevent errors or abuse of the prerogative of mercy.
“None of the inmates granted clemency has been released from custody,” he said. “The verification exercise is necessary to confirm full compliance with legal requirements before forwarding the final instruments to the Controller-General of Corrections.”
He explained that the review reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and adherence to due process in matters involving justice and national interest.
“This procedure ensures that the rule of law prevails over sentiment,” Fagbemi added. “The process of mercy must be guided by fairness, integrity, and respect for established legal frameworks.”
President Tinubu had earlier approved clemency for 175 individuals on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. The list, which includes figures from various walks of life, features both historical and contemporary names.
Prominent among them are Herbert Macaulay, the late nationalist; Farouk Lawan, former member of the House of Representatives; and Mamman Vatsa, a poet and former general executed in 1986. The list also includes persons convicted for non-violent offences such as illegal mining and minor drug-related crimes.
The announcement, however, sparked debate among citizens and rights groups, particularly over the reported inclusion of Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2020 for the murder of her husband, Bilyamin Bello.
Fagbemi assured that the Ministry of Justice is working closely with the Nigerian Correctional Service to conclude verification swiftly. Only after this stage, he said, will the Controller-General receive formal instructions to execute the President’s decision.
“This government values public trust,” he emphasized. “The process must be transparent, lawful, and credible.”
Until the review is completed, all beneficiaries will remain in custody.
