FG Clarifies No Inmates Released Under Presidential Pardon Yet

The Federal Government has provided clarity on the ongoing review process surrounding the recent exercise of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, assuring that no inmate has been released.

The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise. In a statement issued on Thursday, the government explained that the process was still undergoing a final administrative review, with further steps required before any formal release orders could be issued.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had granted pardons to Sir Herbert Macaulay, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, among others. The Council of State had approved the list of beneficiaries, which also includes individuals whose sentences were either reduced or commuted, based on recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Despite the wide attention the pardon received, including the release of such high-profile figures, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized that the final stage of the process—verification and review—was still underway, before the issuance of formal instruments of release.

In his statement, Fagbemi explained that while the Council of State had approved the pardons, the list of beneficiaries was still being verified to ensure it meets all legal and procedural standards before any action is taken.

“No inmate approved for clemency has been released from custody. The process remains in the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure compliance with all necessary legal procedures,” Fagbemi said.

The AGF further elaborated that the instrument of implementation, the final step in the process, would be issued once the review is completed. This would allow the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to execute the release orders.

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Fagbemi reassured the public that the government was committed to transparency and the rule of law in the process. He noted that the review phase is standard protocol and is being conducted with due diligence to ensure fairness.

“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,” he stated.

The AGF expressed gratitude for the public’s engagement and scrutiny of the pardon process, describing it as a sign of Nigeria’s commitment to justice and good governance. He also assured the public that once all legal checks are completed, they would be promptly informed of the outcome.

“The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” Fagbemi added.

The Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise remains under scrutiny, and the Federal Government has promised to keep Nigerians informed as the process continues to unfold.