AGF Walks Back Tinubu’s Pardon List, Says No Releases Have Been Made

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation 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 yet been released from custody. The clarification comes amid mounting public criticism and confusion following the publication of a list of 175 convicts and former convicts reportedly granted presidential pardon or clemency by the President.

In a statement personally signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday, the ministry explained that the process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a comprehensive verification of all names and recommendations before any official release is authorised. “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,” the statement read. “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.” Fagbemi added that the verification process forms part of the government’s commitment to transparency and due diligence, especially in an exercise of such national sensitivity.

The clarification follows widespread outrage over the calibre of individuals included in the pardon list. Among those listed were convicts involved in drug trafficking, illegal mining, financial crimes, kidnapping, human trafficking, and even homicide. The Presidency had described the move as part of its commitment to “justice, rehabilitation, and correcting historical wrongs,” but many Nigerians have questioned the wisdom of releasing individuals convicted of serious crimes at a time when the country is battling severe insecurity and a fragile justice system.

Human rights groups and opposition figures have also condemned the list. Amnesty International said in a statement on Monday that the decision prioritised offenders over their victims, undermining justice and reparations. On social media, lawyers, prosecutors, and citizens expressed anger and disbelief, arguing that such decisions further weaken faith in Nigeria’s institutions and rule of law.

According to the Presidency’s initial statement, 82 inmates were granted clemency, 65 had their sentences reduced, and seven death-row inmates had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. But the scale and composition of the list immediately drew sharp criticism, with legal experts warning that such decisions could endanger prosecutors, judges, and witnesses involved in past convictions, and further erode confidence in the justice system.

The controversy has already reignited debate about how the presidential prerogative of mercy is exercised in Nigeria and whether it has strayed from its intended purpose of correcting judicial wrongs into a tool of political expediency. With the Attorney-General’s clarification, however, the absurdity of Tinubu’s administration is highlighted even further. 

This is not the first time this administration has made a pronouncement or announced a policy, only to turn around and decry the very same policy they themselves sought to implement. From fuel subsidies to tax reforms, Tinubu’s administration has come to be known for its unstable decision making. This presidential pardon list was published by the State House, Abuja and publicized across several platforms. The AGF’s announcement effectively retracting the published list simply follows the trend of lousy incompetence we have come to expect from this government. 

For now, the inmates remain in custody, but the political and ethical fallout from the proposed pardon list continues to reverberate across the country.