- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that the list of the Presidential pardon and clemency granted by President Bola Tinubu is still under review for compliance.
NPO Reported that Tinubu had last week granted pardon and clemency to over 150 convicts.
The list of convicts had however became subject of controversies as it was disclosed that majority of those released are drug traffickers and illegal miners.
Also triggering public outrage was the inclusion of Maryam Sanda who was in 2020 sentenced to death for stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.
However , the father of the deceased and former National Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) had since welcomed the release of his daughter-in-law.
Meanwhile, Fagbemi, in a statement issued on Thursday, noted that the list of presidential pardons is currently being examined for legal compliance.
The AGF clarified that none of the inmates who were granted clemency as part of the President’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy have been released from detention.
Fagbemi explained that the examination of the list include 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.
The statement reads: “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 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. Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance.
“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.”