The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise announced by President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the process is still undergoing final administrative review.
President Tinubu had recently approved clemency for Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, including posthumous pardons for Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, following the endorsement of the Council of State. Also listed were Maryam Sanda, convicted in 2020 for killing her husband, as well as inmates whose sentences were commuted or reduced by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.
However, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said in a statement on Thursday that the exercise has not reached the implementation stage.
“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 read.
Fagbemi explained that although the Council of State had approved the list, a final review is still ongoing to ensure that all beneficiaries meet the required legal and procedural standards before the issuance of formal release instruments.
“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,” he added.
The AGF emphasised that the final step—issuing the formal instrument of implementation—will authorise the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to act.
He described the review phase as part of standard government protocol, demonstrating transparency, due diligence, and adherence to the rule of law.
“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,” Fagbemi stated, commending Nigerians for their public scrutiny and engagement.
He assured that the public will be promptly informed once all legal verifications are complete, adding:
“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.”
The clarification comes amid public interest and mixed reactions to the inclusion of controversial names on the pardon list, especially those convicted of serious offences.
