Following a wave of public criticism regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent pardons, the government is taking corrective action.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has consequently ordered a multi-agency review of the nominees for presidential clemency, reports Persecondnews.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the police have been tasked with probing the list, a scrutiny that may lead to the rejection of more than half the proposed beneficiaries.
The President is holding off on his final approval until this vetted list is submitted, underscoring the administration’s commitment to clearing only those who truly qualify.
Persecondnews had reported that the President, exercising his constitutional powers, granted clemency to 175 persons convicted of various offenses.
The pardon was announced by the AGF at the Council of State meeting held on Thursday, October 9.
Fagbemi listed illegal miners, white-collar convicts, drug offenders, foreigners, Maj.Gen. Mamman Vatsa, Prof. Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, as well as capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received presidential pardon.
The full list was released in a statement from the Presidency on Saturday, October 11.
The list of beneficiaries was divided into six categories: Those granted pardon, posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), inmates recommended for reduced terms of imprisonment, and inmates on death row whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
However, the inclusion of some names on the list sparked controversy, as security, law enforcement, and anti-graft agencies opposed the presence of certain high-profile offenders.
The EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC), NDLEA, police, among others, reportedly moved to halt the release of some individuals on the list.
Following the reactions, Fagbemi clarified on October 16 that the presidential prerogative of mercy recently announced by the President was still under review and had not been finalised.
He said: “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 AGF 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.”
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