Presidential pardon list under review for legal compliance, says Fagbemi

Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says the presidential pardon list is currently at the “final administrative stage” which involves reviewing the names and recommendations.

Last Thursday, President Bola Tinubu granted presidential pardon and other forms of clemency to 175 persons, following the approval of the council of state.

Among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost 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.

Drug offenders, illegal miners, white-collar convicts, and foreigners are also among recipients of the presidential pardon.

The presidential pardon list elicited mixed reactions, as some Nigerians argued that some of the people on the list should not have been pardoned considering the magnitude of the offence.

One such person granted clemency is Maryam Sanda, the woman who was sentenced to death by hanging for stabbing Bilyamin Mohammed Bello, her husband, to death.

In a statement on Thursday, Fagbemi said none of the inmates who were granted clemency has been released, adding that there are stages involved in the process.

The AGF said at the final administrative stage, the names and recommendations in the list will be reviewed to ensure that 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.”