The attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that the presidential pardon list is still in the “final administrative stage,” which involves carefully reviewing the names and recommendations.
Last Thursday, President Bola Tinubu approved presidential pardon and various forms of clemency for 175 individuals, following the endorsement of the council of state.
Among those listed are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s pioneering nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; and Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason.
Also included are drug offenders, illegal miners, individuals convicted of financial crimes, and foreign nationals.
The pardon announcement sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians expressing concern that certain individuals, given the gravity of their crimes, should not have been granted clemency.
One of the controversial names is Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Bilyamin Mohammed Bello.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fagbemi stressed that none of the beneficiaries has been released yet, noting that the clemency process involves multiple stages.
He explained that at the final administrative phase, the names and recommendations are subjected to a thorough review to ensure they “fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued”.
“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody,” the statement reads.
“The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.
“It is important to note that the last stage of the exercise, after approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary.
“This stage affords an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.
“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity.
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy. As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”