The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has clarified that no inmate granted clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy has been released, as the process remains at its final administrative stage.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fagbemi explained that the ongoing review is a necessary legal procedure to ensure all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural standards before the formal 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,” he said. “This stage allows for a final review before the list is transmitted to the Controller-General of Corrections for action.”
The AGF emphasised that the verification process reflects the government’s commitment to 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. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he stated.
President Tinubu had earlier announced presidential pardons for several Nigerians, including nationalist Herbert Macaulay, former FCT Minister Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd), and members of the “Ogoni Nine,” alongside 82 inmates granted clemency and 65 others whose sentences were reduced.
The AGF assured that once all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed of the next steps.
