Presidential Pardon Process Still Under Final Review, No Inmates Released Yet, Clarifies AGF Fagbemi

In a move to quell growing public speculation and debate, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has issued a definitive statement clarifying that no inmates approved for clemency by President Bola Tinubu have yet been released from custody. The announcement comes as the final administrative stages of the high-profile prerogative of mercy exercise are meticulously carried out.

A Process of Precision, Not Delay

The office, led by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized that the process is currently at a critical final review stage. This phase involves a standard, thorough examination to ensure every name on the clemency list and the accompanying recommendations align perfectly with established legal and procedural frameworks. Only after this verification is complete will the formal instruments of release be issued.

In a statement personally signed on Thursday, the Attorney-General provided a clear roadmap of the procedure. “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 stated. He further explained that this final stage serves as a crucial checkpoint, allowing for any necessary remedial actions before the process moves forward.

Transparency and Due Diligence as Cornerstones

The AGF’s clarification underscores the government’s stated commitment to transparency and rigorous due diligence. The verification process is described not as a bottleneck, but as an integral part of the standard protocol designed to uphold the integrity of the justice system.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice appreciates the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which continue to strengthen institutional integrity,” the statement read. It welcomed public engagement as a sign of a populace deeply invested in the principles of justice and good governance.

Addressing perceptions of a holdup, the office was unequivocal: “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.” The statement concluded with a powerful reminder of the judicial principle at play: “The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

Recap of a Landmark Clemency Exercise

The need for clarification arose from the widespread discussion following President Tinubu’s announcement of clemency measures last week. The exercise, a profound use of presidential power, was notable for its breadth and historical significance.

In a move that resonated deeply with Nigeria’s political history, the President granted posthumous pardons to two iconic figures: Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, and Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during the Babangida regime.

Pardons for Rehabilitation and Justice

The living beneficiaries of the pardon were carefully selected, with the government citing reasons of remorse and societal reintegration. Among them was former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan. He was pardoned alongside Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu.

In a significant decision, Nweke Francis Chibueze, who was serving a life sentence for cocaine-related offenses, was also granted a pardon. Similarly, Dr. Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 years of a 17-year sentence for fraud, was included in the clemency list.

Addressing Historical Grievances: The Ogoni Nine

Perhaps the most emotionally charged aspect of the clemency exercise was the formal pardon granted to the “Ogoni Nine.” This group, which included renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, was executed in 1995 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha following a trial widely condemned by the international community.

The nine men—Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were officially pardoned, a move seen as a step toward healing a long-standing national wound.

In a complementary gesture, President Tinubu also awarded national honors to the “Ogoni Four”: Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, figures associated with the complex historical event.

The Broader Scope of Clemency

The presidential prerogative of mercy extended far beyond these prominent names. In total, President Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates and reduced the prison sentences of 65 others. In a decisive act of mercy, he commuted the sentences of seven inmates on death row to life imprisonment, sparing their lives.

This comprehensive exercise highlights the weighty responsibility inherent in the power of pardon—a tool meant to correct judicial oversights, show mercy, and, in some cases, address historical injustices. The meticulous final review now underway, as explained by the AGF, demonstrates the careful balance the government is attempting to strike between compassion and strict adherence to the rule of law.

As the nation awaits the final implementation, the government’s message is clear: every “i” must be dotted, and every “t” crossed before any inmate walks free under this presidential grant of mercy. The public can expect a formal announcement as soon as all legal and procedural checks are conclusively verified.

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