The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has confirmed that none of the inmates approved for clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent use of the power of prerogative of mercy have been freed.
The clarification, issued on Thursday by AGF and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) himself, comes in response to “widespread debate” following the President’s announcement.
The AGF’s office stated that the release process is currently in its final administrative stage, which involves a standard review to make sure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued.
Read Also:Names Of 175 Nigerians Pardoned By Tinubu [FULL LIST]
In his statement, Prince Fagbemi explained the last step: “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.”
He noted that this stage provides an opportunity for a final look at the list for remedial purposes, if any, before the instrument is forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for necessary action.
The AGF described this verification as part of the “standard protocol” that reflects the government’s “commitment to transparency and due diligence.”
Fagbemi appreciated the public’s vigilance and constructive feedback, which he said demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about justice and good governance.
He assured the public there is no delay in the process, stating, it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy.
He concluded by noting that, as soon as the legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed, and that The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.
Last week, President Tinubu used his constitutional power of mercy to grant clemency to 82 inmates and reduce the prison terms of 65 others.
He also changed the death sentences of seven inmates to life imprisonment.
The high-profile beneficiaries included national figures:
- Posthumous pardon for Nigeria’s founding father, Herbert Macaulay, and former FCT minister, Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd).
- Formal pardon for the Ogoni Nine (Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine).
- Pardon for four former convicts (former House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan; Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia; Barrister Hussaini Umar; and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu) to help them integrate into society, having demonstrated sufficient remorse.
- Pardons for Nweke Francis Chibueze (serving a life sentence for cocaine) and Dr Nwogu Peters (who had served 12 of a 17-year sentence for fraud).
- National honours were also awarded to the Ogoni Four (Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage).
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
To Publish Articles, News, Place Advert, Contact Informant Online With Email Link Below: informantonline.com.ng@gmail.com
