— “No One Has Been Freed Yet; Rule of Law Takes Its Course,” Says AGF Fagbemi
The Federal Government has suspended the immediate release of inmates listed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent Presidential Pardon, pending a comprehensive review of the entire process.
This follows a wave of public criticism and mounting suspicion surrounding the Prerogative of Mercy exercise recently ratified by the Council of State, which reportedly featured both deceased and serving inmates, including some on death row.
In a statement issued on Thursday and personally signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the government made it clear that no inmate has yet been released, as the process remains at the final administrative stage.
> “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,” Fagbemi explained.
“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.”
He said the verification process is part of the standard legal protocol, designed to prevent abuse of the system and ensure that only those truly deserving benefit from the President’s mercy.
> “There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that justice and fairness prevail. The rule of law does not rush—it ensures equity,” he noted.
Fagbemi also commended Nigerians for their vigilance and active interest in national justice matters, describing the widespread public reaction as “a mark of collective commitment to transparency and accountability.”
> “Public engagement is always welcome. It shows Nigerians are deeply concerned about justice and good governance,” he said.
Recall that the Council of State had, last Thursday, ratified a list of offenders presented by President Tinubu for clemency — a move meant to decongest correctional centres and promote restorative justice.
However, the decision sparked heated controversy, with civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and legal experts demanding that the government scrutinise the list to avoid granting pardon to individuals with questionable backgrounds or grave offences.
Sources within the Justice Ministry told Daily Trust that the review process is ongoing, and final approval for any release will only be issued after meticulous verification and security vetting of each beneficiary.
As Nigerians await the outcome, the Federal Government insists that the Presidential Pardon remains under review, assuring that the final decision will reflect fairness, legality, and national interest.
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