Under intense public outcry and pressure from Nigeria’s top anti-graft agencies, the Presidency is reviewing the recent Presidential Pardon list approved by the Council of State. The focus is on individuals convicted of violent crimes and corruption, raising critical questions about the integrity of the Nigerian Justice System.
The Pardon Backlash
The process of clemency, meant to offer rehabilitation and reconciliation, has instead ignited a firestorm within Nigerian Politics. Sources indicate that President Bola Tinubu is now under immense pressure to prune the list of individuals recommended for the Prerogative of Mercy, following a powerful public outcry over certain inclusions.
The controversy stems from the inclusion of high-profile convicts, including those linked to violent offences like the murder of a spouse (Maryam Sanda) and notorious kidnappings (Kelvin Prosper Oniarah). While the list was intended to decongest prisons and promote national unity—and rightly honoured figures like the Ogoni Nine—the inclusion of convicted killers and drug offenders has prompted a swift, negative reaction from the Nigerian public.
Security Agencies Take a Stand
The most significant pressure is coming directly from key institutions responsible for national security and accountability. Anti-graft agencies—specifically the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)—have reportedly raised strong objections.
Senior security sources suggest that some controversial names were ‘smuggled in’ and never passed the necessary security vetting process. According to reports, these agencies argue that releasing such convicts would severely undermine ongoing efforts in the fight against corruption and organised crime, with one source insisting that certain individuals convicted of capital offences ‘can never be released.’ This institutional pushback highlights a critical breakdown in the screening process that preceded the list’s submission to the Council of State.
The List is Not Finalised
In an attempt to manage the growing crisis, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a crucial clarification. He confirmed that the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy is still at the final administrative stage and has not been finalised. Crucially, the AGF stated that no inmate approved for clemency has yet been released from custody.
This final administrative step involves a standard review to ensure every name fully complies with established legal requirements. The AGF acknowledged the public’s vigilance, describing their constructive feedback as a sign of deep concern for justice and good Nigerian governance. This final review is expected to result in the exclusion of names whose release could pose a security risk or undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
For readers tracking governance and accountability in Nigeria, the final, trimmed list will serve as a key indicator of the administration’s commitment to both due process and the integrity of the nation’s justice system.
