There were indications on Thursday that some names on the presidential pardon list approved by the Council of State, and presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), may be removed.
This development follows rising public criticism over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those pardoned by President Bola Tinubu.
The presidential pardon, usually granted to commemorate national occasions, is also aimed at easing prison congestion and fostering reconciliation.
According to the presidential statement, the decision was based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, headed by the Attorney-General.
It further stated that the beneficiaries were grouped into six categories: those granted pardon, posthumous pardon (including the Ogoni Nine), victims of the Ogoni Nine honoured, presidential clemency (clemency beneficiaries), inmates recommended for reduced sentences, and inmates on death row whose sentences were converted to life imprisonment.
However, the latest development has reignited public debate about the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s pardon process.
On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN) clarified that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy recently announced by the President was still undergoing review and had not been concluded.
The inclusion of some names has remained controversial, with anti-corruption and security agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly taking steps to prevent the release of certain individuals on the list.
At the Council of State meeting held on October 9, 2025, Fagbemi listed illegal miners, white-collar offenders, drug convicts, foreigners, Maj Gen Mamman Vatsa, Prof Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, as well as capital offenders like Maryam Sanda, among the 175 persons granted presidential pardon by President Tinubu.
The complete list was published in a statement by the Presidency on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Although the inclusion of some Politically Exposed Persons such as Herbert Macaulay and Farouk Lawan did not attract much criticism, the presence of individuals associated with violent crimes and security breaches sparked outrage.
One of the most controversial names was that of Maryam Sanda, who was convicted in 2017 for stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, to death.
While some members of Bello’s family rejected the pardon granted to Maryam, his father, Alhaji Bello Isa, together with Maryam’s father, Alhaji Garba Sanda, held a press conference to accept the presidential gesture.
The President also extended pardon to Major S. Alabi Akubo, sentenced to life imprisonment for unlawful possession of firearms, and to Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, a notorious kidnapper whose operations spread across Delta, Edo, Rivers, Abia, Benue, and Oyo states, with detention camps located in Warri and Kokori (Delta), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia).
The list also contained names of those convicted for killing security agents, drug trafficking, and money laundering, among other offences, which drew heavy criticism.
The outrage has reportedly led to a reassessment of the clemency process, with the Presidency considering removing controversial names that attracted public disapproval.
A presidential aide familiar with the issue, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to do so, revealed that agencies such as the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), NDLEA, and other security bodies strongly opposed the inclusion of some individuals, alleging that certain names were “smuggled in” and were not part of the recommendations made by the official presidential committee.
The aide said the anti-graft agencies warned that freeing some of the convicts could jeopardise ongoing efforts against corruption and organised crime.
A top security source also disclosed that some individuals on the list “can never be released,” especially those convicted of killing security officers, kidnapping, or other capital crimes.
“The list was too wide, and some of the names did not pass the necessary security vetting.
“The EFCC, NDLEA, and other security agencies have insisted that the list must be pruned down. Not all the names came from the committee that reviewed the cases,” the presidential aide stated.
Officials knowledgeable about the matter also noted that the final list would likely exclude individuals whose release could pose security threats or undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“The list will be trimmed to reflect only those who genuinely deserve the President’s mercy. Those whose inclusion created controversy will be expunged,” a senior official, who also requested anonymity, said on Thursday.
Another security official explained, “Some low-level officers at the level of the committee smuggled in some names. Obviously, the President is unaware of some of the names on that list.
“They have now sent the list to NDLEA and other security agencies for review. Some of the names on the list did not meet the criteria. Some low-level officers bypassed the criteria.
“In fact, some of the cases are still fresh. The good thing is that they are still in custody; they have not been released.”
An official from one of the anti-graft bodies, who also spoke under the condition of anonymity, added, “I am aware the ICPC and the police are not comfortable with the list because the names of some convicts who are not supposed to be on that list are there.”
When contacted by the media, officials of the concerned agencies declined to comment officially on the matter.
On Thursday, Fagbemi (SAN) reiterated that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy announced by the President was still under review and not yet finalised.
In a statement released in Abuja, the minister emphasised that no inmate approved for clemency had been released.
According to Fagbemi, “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.”
He further explained that once the Council of State grants approval, the next stage involves issuing a formal instrument to implement the President’s decision for each beneficiary.
“This stage affords an opportunity for a final review of the list for remedial purposes, if necessary, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.
“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” the Attorney-General stated.
Fagbemi commended the public for their vigilance and constructive feedback, describing it as evidence of Nigerians’ strong interest in justice and good governance.
“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.”
