Why Pardoned Inmates Are Yet to Be Released – AGF Fagbemi

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has explained why inmates recently granted presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu have not yet been released from custody.

Fagbemi said on Thursday that although the Council of State had approved the exercise under the President’s prerogative of mercy, the process remained incomplete and was still undergoing review.

In a statement he personally signed, the Minister assured Nigerians that all legal and procedural checks must be finalized before any release can take place, stressing that due process was being followed strictly.

“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,” Fagbemi said. “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 explained that after the Council of State’s approval, the last stage involves the issuance of an official instrument authorizing each release. This step, he noted, allows for a final review to correct any errors before forwarding the instrument to the Controller-General of Corrections for implementation.

“This verification process is part of the standard protocol and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence,” he said. “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.”

Fagbemi reaffirmed that the public would be duly informed once all procedures are concluded, emphasizing that “the rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

President Tinubu had recently granted clemency to 175 convicts and ex-convicts, some of whom had been convicted of serious offences such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and murder. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the inclusion of certain names on the list.