The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.
This clarification follows widespread public debate and speculation after the announcement of the clemency exercise for selected inmates.
According to a statement personally signed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the process is still at the final administrative stage. This includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations comply fully with legal and procedural requirements before any official release instruments are 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,” the statement read.
The Attorney-General’s office explained that this stage allows for a final review to make any necessary corrections before forwarding the release documents to the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service for action.
Prince Fagbemi emphasized that the verification process is a standard protocol demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
“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,” he added.
Recent Presidential Pardons
Last week, President Tinubu announced the presidential pardon of notable figures, including Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd), former FCT minister during the Babangida regime, Four former convicts, including former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine-related offenses, and Dr. Nwogu Peters, who served 12 out of a 17-year sentence for fraud.
