The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate granted presidential clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent exercise of the power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.
The clarification follows days of public criticism over the inclusion of certain inmates, including those convicted of capital and drug-related offences.
In a statement personally signed on Thursday evening by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, the ministry explained that the process remains at the final administrative stage and has not yet resulted in any actual release.
Fagbemi said that the final phase involves a comprehensive verification procedure designed to ensure that every name and recommendation strictly complies with the legal and procedural requirements before any official release instruments are issued.
“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,” Fagbemi stated. “This stage provides an opportunity for a final review and remedial actions, if necessary, before forwarding the instrument to the Controller-General of Correctional Service for implementation.”
The Minister emphasized that the ongoing review process reflects the government’s commitment to due diligence, transparency, and the rule of law, assuring the public that the clemency process is not being delayed but is following lawful procedure.
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“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter,” Fagbemi added. “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”
He commended Nigerians for their vigilance and constructive engagement, describing public scrutiny as a healthy sign of democracy and accountability.
“Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance,” the AGF said.
The clarification came after widespread backlash greeted reports of pardons granted to inmates convicted of serious offences. Among the most controversial names was Maryam Sanda, who had been sentenced to death for killing her husband.
The Council of State, chaired by President Tinubu, had two weeks earlier approved a list of inmates both living and deceased who were recommended for clemency under the presidential power of mercy. The list included prisoners who had served long sentences, those with terminal illnesses, and inmates on death row.
However, the announcement sparked outrage across the country and on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind extending mercy to convicts involved in violent or drug-related crimes.
Legal analysts and human rights groups have since called for clearer guidelines governing the exercise of presidential mercy to ensure that it upholds justice, equity, and public confidence in the legal system.
Fagbemi reaffirmed the government’s resolve to maintain transparency throughout the process and assured Nigerians that only qualified beneficiaries would ultimately receive clemency once all necessary reviews are complete.
“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed,” he said.
The Ministry of Justice reiterated that the current process represents a routine legal safeguard rather than a reversal or delay, aiming to protect both public trust and judicial integrity.
