AGF Clarifies Presidential Pardon Process, Says No Delay in Tinubu’s Prerogative of Mercy Implementation

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has clarified that the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s recent prerogative of mercy for selected inmates is currently at its final administrative stage, stressing that there is no delay in the process.

In a statement personally signed by the AGF and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, the ministry explained that the final stage involves a standard verification process to ensure all names and recommendations meet the required legal and procedural standards before the official release instruments are issued.

“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,” Fagbemi stated.

He added that the review provides an opportunity for a final check “for remedial purposes, if any,” before forwarding the document to the Controller-General of Corrections for execution.

The AGF emphasised that the verification process is routine and reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and the rule of law.

“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,” he said.
“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness.”

Fagbemi also commended Nigerians for their public vigilance and constructive engagement, describing such feedback as a sign of the people’s deep concern for justice and good governance.

Background on Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon

Last week, President Bola Tinubu exercised his constitutional power of mercy, granting presidential pardons to several notable Nigerians, including Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, and Major General Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Babangida regime.

The President also pardoned former lawmaker Farouk Lawan, Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia, Barrister Hussaini Umar, and Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, among others, noting that the gesture would allow them to reintegrate into society after showing sufficient remorse.

Additionally, Tinubu extended clemency to Nweke Francis Chibueze, serving a life sentence for drug-related offences, and Dr. Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 of his 17-year sentence for fraud.

The President also formally pardoned the Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, and conferred national honours on the Ogoni Four — Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage — as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and national healing.

In total, 82 inmates received presidential clemency, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death-row inmates had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.