Amid widespread angst over the inclusion of certain high-profile and violent offenders among those granted pardon, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, has said that no inmate approved for clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy had yet been released from custody.
Recall that the president had recently granted pardon to 175 convicts, with drug convicts topping the list with 29.2%; illegal miners, 24%; murderers, 13.5%; and fraudsters, 12.3%.
The development elicited intense public anger and called to question the quality of the president’s thought process into question. The controversy surrounds the types of crimes committed by those pardoned, with many questioning the wisdom of granting mercy to serious offenders.
The most controversial was the pardon granted to four convicts, including former house of representatives member, Mr Farouk Lawan, sentenced for accepting a $500,000 bribe from a Lagos businessman, Mr Femi Otedola in the wake of the 2012 fuel subsidy probe.
Another contentious pardon was granted to 37-year-old Ms Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death by hanging for killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Dr. Haliru Bello.
*Maryam and Bilyaminu
Other litigious pardon was extended to Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu.
Spokesman for the attorney general, Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele and signed personally by Fagbemi, said the process was at the final administrative stage. This 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.
The minister explained that the review affords an opportunity to take a final look at the list of beneficiaries for remedial purposes, if any, before it is sent to the controller-general of corrections for necessary action.
The statement said in part: “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.
“This stage affords 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.
“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
“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.
“Public engagement is always welcome, as it demonstrates that Nigerians care deeply about 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 statement said, adding that the rule of law does not rush but ensures fairness.
Meanwhile, Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana has requested the government to retract and review the list of persons awarded presidential pardon.
He said in a statement that the decision was important for justice and national morality.
“Following the recommendation of the Prerogative of Mercy Committee headed by the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi President Bola Tinubu recently granted pardon to 175 persons convicted for various offences.
“It is indisputable that the President is empowered by virtue of section 175 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to exercise the grant of pardons, reprieves, and commutations of sentences to persons convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.
“The list of pardonees includes convicted politically exposed persons, drug addicts and barons, armed robbers, and terrorists, as well as persons convicted for contravening state offences like culpable homicide, murder, and obtaining by false pretences,” he said.
He advised the committee to recommend to state governors to consider those convicted of state offences in line with Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution.
