Abuja, Nigeria — The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has clarified that no inmate approved for clemency under President Bola Tinubu’s recent exercise of the prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.
The clarification was issued amid widespread public discussion following President Tinubu’s announcement of clemency for select inmates. According to a statement personally signed by the Attorney-General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the process remains in its final administrative stage.
Fagbemi explained that a standard review is ongoing to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued. “The last stage of the exercise, following approval by the Council of State, is the issuance of the instrument for the implementation of the decision concerning each beneficiary,” the statement said.
The Attorney-General emphasized that this verification process is part of standard protocol and underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence.
Last week, President Tinubu granted presidential pardons to notable individuals, including one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, Herbert Macaulay, and retired Major General Mamman Vatsa, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during the Babangida regime.
Other pardoned individuals include four former convicts—former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu—who were granted clemency to facilitate their reintegration into society after demonstrating remorse.
Additionally, Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for cocaine-related offenses, and Dr. Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 years of a 17-year fraud sentence, were pardoned.
In a symbolic move, the Ogoni Nine—Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—were formally pardoned. President Tinubu also awarded national honours to the Ogoni Four—Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage.
The AGF’s office reaffirmed that while the pardons have been approved, the official release of inmates will only occur after the completion of all administrative and legal formalities.