The Federal Government has stated that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, explaining that the process is still at its final administrative stage.
This clarification comes after reports that President Bola Tinubu granted pardons to Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 for alleged coup plotting. The list also reportedly featured Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, along with other inmates whose sentences were reduced or commuted.
In a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the Council of State had approved recommendations for clemency but stressed that the final review is still ongoing. He noted that the list of beneficiaries must undergo thorough verification to ensure all names comply with legal and procedural requirements.
“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody,” the statement read. “The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.”
Fagbemi added that the issuance of official release instruments marks the final stage of the process, after which the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service will be authorized to act.
He emphasized that the ongoing review reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, due process, and 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,” he said.
The minister assured the public that once all legal and administrative checks are completed, a formal announcement will be made, adding, “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”