After widespread public backlash, the Federal Government has announced a review of the recently publicized presidential pardon list, signaling a U-turn from its earlier declaration to grant clemency to over 170 Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu had initially approved pardons for 175 individuals, including the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband. The list also included more than 50 individuals convicted of drug-related offences.
The exercise, recommended by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy chaired by Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was divided into six categories: posthumous pardons, recognition for victims of the Ogoni Nine, presidential clemency, reduced prison terms, and death row commutations to life imprisonment.
In response to criticism over the inclusion of drug offenders and those convicted of homicide, Fagbemi clarified on Thursday that no inmate has yet been released. He explained that the process is at its final administrative stage, involving a standard review to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural requirements before release instruments are issued.
“The verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the Government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” the Attorney-General said, noting that the public would be informed once the final list is approved. He also thanked citizens for their vigilance and constructive feedback, which strengthen institutional integrity.
