The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has responded to public concern by clarifying that no inmate from the recent pardon list has been released yet, and that the entire clemency exercise remains under final review.
In a statement, the office emphasized that the process is still at the “final administrative stage,” during which all names and recommendations are being vetted to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural standards before any release order is issued.
Signed by Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the declaration explained that after the Council of State approves the list, the final step involves issuing the legal instruments required to effect the pardons. This stage allows for last-minute corrections or omissions before the documents are forwarded to the Controller-General of Corrections for action.
The Attorney-General’s statement described the verification as part of standard protocol and said it reflects the administration’s commitment to due diligence. He stated:
“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter … As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed.”
The clarification comes after considerable backlash over the initial list of beneficiaries, which included capital and drug offenders. The inclusion of Maryam Sanda — a death row inmate convicted for killing her husband — generated particular controversy.
